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Awards & Recognition

Designed to recognize the best-of-the-best in Illinois parks, recreation, and conservation, the Awards & Recognition Program gives professionals an opportunity to recognize colleagues and community members for their extraordinary work and contribution to the industry.

Recognize the brightest stars in Illinois!

The program consists of four individual conference awards, four agency conference awards, one distinguished-member award (per section), and community service awards, so opportunity for recognition is plentiful! Conference awards are presented at the annual Soaring to New Heights Conference, section awards are presented at section board meetings, and community awards are mailed to agencies to be presented to local recipients. For information on award criteria, click on the award of your choice below or contact IPRA Membership Manager Vince Davis at vince@ilipra.org.

Electronic nominations will be accepted August 1 - November 11, 2023.

Individual Conference Awards

Young Professional of the Year

The IPRA Young Professional of the Year Award is presented to a current Illinois park and recreation professional who has made a significant impact or achievement in the field of parks and recreation and / or the community in which they serve. Current IPRA Board of Directors are not eligible to receive the Young Professional of the Year Award.

Nominations will be accepted August 1 - November 11, 2022.

Professional of the Year

The IPRA Professional of the Year Award is presented to a current Illinois park and recreation professional who has made a significant impact or achievement in the field of parks and recreation and / or the community in which they serve. Current IPRA Board of Directors are not eligible to receive the Professional of the Year Award.

Nominations will be accepted August 1 - November 11, 2022.

Community Impact

The IPRA Community Impact Award is presented to a current Illinois park and recreation professional who has made a significant impact in the community in which they serve. Current Executive Directors, CEOs, and IPRA Board of Directors are not eligible to receive the Community Impact Award.

Nominations will be accepted August 1 - November 11, 2023.

Robert Artz Lifetime Achievement

The IPRA Robert Artz Lifetime Achievement Award was established to honor Robert Artz’s legacy of service to the park and recreation profession.  The recipient’s efforts will have had lasting impact and created awareness of the importance of parks and recreation among peers and in the community they serve. Current IPRA Board of Directors are not eligible to receive the Robert Artz Award.

Nominations will be accepted August 1 - November 11, 2023

Agency Conference Awards

Outstanding Park or Facility

The IPRA Outstanding Park and Facility Award is presented to public agencies for outstanding and unique achievements in the design and development of new or renovated recreation parks and facilities.

Nominations will be accepted August 1 - November 11, 2023.

Outstanding Program or Special Event

The IPRA Outstanding Program and Special Event Award is presented to public agencies for outstanding and unique achievements in program development and implementation and special event planning.

Nominations will be accepted August 1 - November 11, 2023.

Exceptional Workplace

Park and Recreation agencies applying for the Exceptional Workplace Award must complete an online survey that will be emailed to the applicant within 24 hours upon completion of payment. It includes a series of 48 questions, and each question must be answered. A point value has been assigned to each question, which the committee will use when your questions are being reviewed and tallied. Once the survey has been reviewed, if the committee feels that there is a need for documentation, your agency will be notified prior to the final decision.

Surveys are due November 11, 2023. The application fee is $45.

Champions for Change

The IPRA Champions for Change Award is presented to an agency with unique and exemplary practices of increasing access and fostering diversity and inclusion within their community or organization. These are measurable practices that remove barriers, result in positive social change, and inspire others to follow in their path. It improves the working experience and engagement levels of employees from underrepresented communities, and/or the lives of all people through the delivery of excellent services that provide social equity and access in the community.

Nominations accepted August 1 - November 11, 2023.

Community Service Awards

Looking for a special way to say “THANK YOU” to individuals, volunteers or organizations? Look no further than the IAPD / IPRA Community Service Award, which is designed to help you and your agency celebrate and recognize the efforts and contributions of those in your community that make recreation a vital part of everyone lifestyle. Application fee is $45 and includes the making and delivery of the original plaque; duplicate plaques may be ordered for $25.00 each.

Orders will be accepted August 1 - November 11, 2023.
View a complete list of award recipients
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