The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) proudly announces the launch of its new NRPA Innovation Awards. These awards recognize park and recreation agencies nationwide that have improved and empowered their communities through innovative practices in park design, health and wellness, conservation and social equity. Applications for the awards will be accepted Jan. 22 – March 23, 2018. “Many park agencies across the country are taking an innovative approach to tackling some of our country’s biggest challenges,” said Barbara Tulipane, NRPA president and CEO. “These awards present an opportunity to recognize our industry’s most innovative agencies and inspire others.” The NRPA Innovation Awards will reward the following four areas of improvement that recreational parks are expected to fulfill for the general public. 

Innovation in Health Award - This award recognizes a park and recreation agency leading an innovative project that fosters a culture of health in their community. Recreational activities being offered at parks are there so people can stay active, and thus continue on a journey to healthy living. Innovation in Conservation Award - Those leading an innovative project that creates localized solutions for addressing global or regional environmental challenges is precisely what this award looks for. Innovation in Social Equity Award - If Parks & Recreation Areas improve access to the benefits of local parks & recreation for everyone in the community, no matter the demographic, then their social equity is on the rise. Innovation in Park Design Award - This award recognizes the management of a unique park or facility that embraces innovative technology, strategies or programs to improve their community. The winners of these awards, which will be announced in June, will face-off in a public vote for the Best in Innovation Award, and recognized at the 2018 NRPA Annual Conference in Indianapolis, Sept. 25-27, 2018. NRPA is also accepting applications for its Spotlight Awards — including the Robert M. Artz Advocate Award, the Robert W. Crawford Young Professional Award, the National Distinguished Professional Award and the Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt Award for Excellence in Recreation and Park Research. 

For the full press release and to apply, visit here at NRPA.