Submit Your Nomination Today!

This award celebrates outstanding innovation in parks and recreation programs, services, or strategies that represent new, emerging, or out-of-the-box approaches to community engagement, impact, or operations. Innovation may be demonstrated through pilot projects, bold pivots, reimagined service delivery, creative uses of technology, or unique community partnerships.

The core goal of this category is to recognize fresh ideas and forward-thinking solutions that advance community well-being through parks and recreation.  Entries may reflect “one-off” activations or long-term efforts and do not need to demonstrate sustainability or replication — though those qualities are encouraged where applicable. 

Project must have been launched or implemented between November 1, 2024 – October 31, 2025.
Ongoing or one-time efforts are both eligible. 

CPRS may award up to 1 (one) award per sub-category/per class.

Class Categories:

• Class 1:  up to 50,000 population
•  Class 2:  50,001 – 125,000 population
• Class 3:  125,001 – 250,000 population
• Class 4:  250,001 plus population

Choose your sub-category

Award Criteria / Point Value:

1.    Telling the Story

Share how this initiative, program or service aligns with your agency’s mission and CPRS’s statewide initiatives such as the California Action Plan and Parks Make Life Better! goals. Choose one or more of the following guiding outcomes to help tell your story:

• Promote physical, emotional, and mental health and wellness
• Support economic vitality of our community
• Create memorable experiences
•  Foster social cohesiveness
•  Support human development and endless learning
• Strengthen community identity
• Facilitate community problem and issue resolution
• Sustain and steward our natural, historical, and/or cultural resources
• Support a safe, vibrant, attractive, and progressive community

400 word maximum; 20 points 

2.    Understanding the Community and Setting the Vision

Outline the community need or significant challenge this initiative, program, or service intended to answer/solve.  Describe the desired outcomes you were looking to achieve.

Some thoughts to consider:

• What gap were you trying to fill or what spark inspired this idea?
• Did your desired outcomes consider and address equity, accessibility, and diversity in your community?  How? 
• How did you ensure your desired outcomes reflected input from those directly impacted?

400 word maximum; 20 points

3.    Innovative Approach(es)

Share what makes this project or idea innovative. How does it ‘break the mold’? 

Some thoughts to consider:

• Did this represent a new approach for your agency or the field as a whole?
• What various strategies, tools, technology, and resources were used?
• Were non-traditional fiscal or community resources (grants, sponsorships, volunteers, etc.) employed?

400 word maximum; 20 points

4.    Community Engagement

Describe how your innovation involved or benefited the community.

Some thoughts to consider:

• Who was engaged in the design or delivery of this project?
• How did you ensure inclusivity, accessibility, or equity in your approach?
• Did this project reach new or underserved audiences?
• What communications channels did you use to ensure all community members or stakeholders were included?

400 word maximum; 20 points

5.    Measuring Success and Impact

What happened as a result of this innovation?  Did it succeed, inspire change, or offer key lessons?  How has it helped your agency, your community, or our field? Consider including both quantitative (actual numbers) and qualitative (participant quotes, testimonials) metrics to tell this part of the story.

Some thoughts to consider:

• What metrics did you use to know this was a successful innovation? 
• How have you celebrated your success and shared the story to advocate for additional support, awareness, or resources for this and future projects? 

400 word maximum; 20 points

6.    Award Application Summary

In 150 words or less, please give us a compelling description of your award nomination, highlighting several points from the questions above.  Note that this 150-word description may be used in CPRS Award program marketing materials. 

Pro Tip:  Write this summary as if it will be read aloud or shared on social media channels.  In other words, be more narrative and less formal… tell us a story!

Additional Supplemental Information Requested

This information is not required, however, it will help complete the story you are telling about your nomination.

a)   5 to 8 photos; each photo labeled with entry and agency name

b)   Maximum 4 examples of background material that support one or more of the criteria and help judges understand reach or engagement.  Items may be (but are not limited to):

• Press release(s)
• Needs assessment(s)
• Community-facing materials such as flyers, social posts

c)   One short video (2 min max) showcasing this initiative, program or event

Submit Your Nomination Today!

CATEGORY UPDATED! Previously our Creating Community Award of Excellence

This award recognizes outstanding, long-term initiatives, programs or services that have created meaningful, measurable, and equitable impact in communities through parks and recreation programs and services. Nominations should demonstrate a sustained commitment to improving lives, fostering inclusion, and strengthening community wellbeing over time.

To honor enduring impact and replicable success, nominated programs or services must have been in continuous operation for a minimum of three (3) years at the time of application.

CPRS may award up to 1 (one) award per sub-category/per class.

Class Categories:

• Class 1:  up to 50,000 population
• Class 2:  50,001 – 125,000 population
• Class 3:  125,001 – 250,000 population
• Class 4:  250,001 plus population

Choose your sub-category

Award Criteria / Point Value:

1. Telling the Story

Share how this initiative, program or service supports our California Action Plan and Parks Make Life Better! goals.  Tell the Story of your success, using one or more of these goals:

• Promote physical, emotional, and mental health and wellness
• Support economic vitality of our community
• Create memorable experiences
• Foster social cohesiveness
• Support human development and endless learning
• Strengthen community identity
• Facilitate community problem and issue resolution
• Sustain and steward our natural, historical, and/or cultural resource
• Support a safe, vibrant, attractive, and progressive community

400 word maximum; 20 points

2. Understanding the Community and Defining Success

Describe the community need, challenge, or opportunity your initiative, program, or service addressed. Share how you engaged the community in identifying these needs, and how your outcomes were designed to serve them over time.

Some thoughts to consider:

• What data or feedback shaped your direction?
• How did you ensure equitable and inclusive community input? 
• What long-term outcomes did you set out to achieve?

400 word maximum; 20 points

3.    3. Sustainable and Scalable Approach(es)
Show how your approach created lasting impact, not just a short-term result. What makes this initiative, program, or service sustainable, replicable, or scalable?

Some thoughts to consider:

• Did you set out to make this a multi-year program or service?  Tell us about your planning and implementation strategies!
• What are your ongoing funding or staffing models?
• Did you engage the community or any cross-sector partnerships to help extend reach or longevity?
• What adjustments have you made over time based on community feedback?

400 word maximum; 20 points

4.    4. Community Partnerships and Ownership
Highlight how relationships with community members, partners, stakeholders, and decision-makers, helped sustain and grow the initiative, program or service.

Some thoughts to consider:

• How did you engage policy makers, community members, and partners in obtaining needed resources?
• How did you ensure diverse community partners and perspectives in your collaborations and problem-solving
• Did shared ownership or leadership emerge over time with this initiative, program or service?  How did you foster that?
• What communications channels did you utilize to ensure all community members or stakeholders were included?

400 word maximum; 20 points

5.    5. Measuring Long-Term Impact

What evidence shows this program is making a difference now and for the long haul?  Consider including both quantitative (actual numbers) and qualitative (participant quotes, testimonials) metrics to tell this part of the story.

Some thoughts to consider:

• What metrics did you use to know this was a successful initiative, program or service? 
• How do you know your initiative, program, or service has reached a diverse cross-section of your community and/or is inclusive of and accessible to all?
• Have there been any systemic or policy shifts that reflect cultural or operational change due to this initiative, program or service?
• How have you celebrated your success and shared the story to advocate for additional support, awareness, or resources for this and future projects?

400 word maximum; 20 points

6.    6. Award Application Summary

In 150 words or less, please give us a compelling description of your award nomination, highlighting several points from the questions above.  Note that this 150-word description may be used in CPRS Award program marketing materials. 

Pro Tip:  Write this summary as if it will be read aloud or shared on social media channels.  In other words, be more narrative and less formal… tell us a story!

Additional Supplemental Information Requested

This information is not required, however, it will help complete the story you are telling about your nomination.

a)   5 to 8 photos; each photo labeled with entry and agency name

b)   Maximum 4 examples of background material that support one or more of the criteria and help judges understand reach or engagement.  Items may be (but are not limited to):

• Press release(s)
• Needs assessment(s)
• Community-facing materials such as flyers, social posts

c)   One short video (2 min max) showcasing this initiative, program or event

Submit Your Nomination Today!

This award recognizes excellence in the planning and design of completed outdoor park and recreation spaces that prioritize community engagement, aesthetic quality, long-term functionality, and inclusive access. Projects may include new builds or significant renovations that demonstrate a commitment to user experience, environmental sustainability, operational practicality, and community identity.

To reflect the importance of longevity, usability, and post-construction community impact, eligible projects must be completed and open for public use between November 1, 2024 – October 31, 2025.

CPRS may award up to 1 (one) award per sub-category/per class.

Projects with an emphasis on indoor facilities or large-scale building construction should be submitted under the Facility Design category.

Planning/Design Firms, please note:  If your nomination is chosen as an award recipient, you will be required to purchase a secondary award to present to the agency where the project was built.

Project Category:

• New Build
• Renovation Project

Class Categories:

• Class 1:  $0 - $2 million total project cost
• Class 2:  $2 - $10 million total project cost
• Class 3:  $10 million and above total project cost

Choose your sub-category

Award Criteria / Point Value:

1.   Project Goals and Alignment with State Priorities

Share how this project aligns with your agency’s mission and CPRS’s statewide initiatives such as the California Action Plan and Parks Make Life Better! goals. Choose one or more of the following guiding outcomes to help tell your story:

• Promote physical, emotional, and mental health and wellness
• Support economic vitality of our community
• Create memorable experiences
• Foster social cohesiveness
• Support human development and endless learning
• Strengthen community identity
• Facilitate community problem and issue resolution
• Sustain and steward our natural, historical, and/or cultural resources
• Support a safe, vibrant, attractive, and progressive community

400 word maximum; 20 points

2.  Community Need and Planning Intent

Outline the specific need or vision that guided this project.  Describe the desired outcomes you were looking to achieve.

Some thoughts to consider:

• What was the impact if this community need or challenge was not addressed?
• Who was being underserved or left out, and how did you plan to address that?
• How did the planning phase incorporate inclusive outreach and engagement?

400 word maximum; 20 points

3.    Innovative Design Elements

Detail how your approach was different, new, or innovative and how you used new or innovative design elements to reach your desired outcomes. 

Some thoughts to consider:

• What features or design decisions support universal access, climate resilience, or community storytelling?
• If rehabilitated, what creative approaches were used to revitalize the space?
• Were non-traditional fiscal or community resources (grants, sponsorships, volunteers, etc.) employed? 

400 word maximum; 20 points

4.   Community Collaboration

Describe the role policy makers, staff, community members, partners and/or stakeholders played during design and implementation of this project. 

Some thoughts to consider:

• Who did you bring to the table during concept development?
• How did you engage policy makers, community members, and partners in obtaining needed resources?
• How did you ensure diverse community partners and perspectives in your collaborations and problem solving? 

400 word maximum; 20 points

5.   Measuring Success and Impact

Tell us how you know you reached your desired outcomes as outlined above.  Share what evidence you have that demonstrates this project is meeting community needs.  Consider using:

• Qualitative data – stories, satisfaction
• Quantitative data – attendance, programs offered
• Operational data – cost recovery, maintenance benefits

Some thoughts to consider:

• What metrics did you use to know this was a successful project? 
• How do you know your park has served a diverse cross-section of your community and/or is inclusive of and accessible to all?
• How have you celebrated your success and shared the story to advocate for additional support, awareness, or resources for this and future projects?

400 word maximum; 20 points

6.  Award Application Summary

In 150 words or less, please give us a compelling description of your award nomination, highlighting several points from the questions above.  Note that this 150-word description may be used in CPRS Award program marketing materials. 

Pro Tip:  Write this summary as if it will be read aloud or shared on social media channels.  In other words, be more narrative and less formal… tell us a story!

Additional Supplemental Information Requested/Required 

While not all of this information is required, it will help complete the story you are telling about your nomination.

• Master plan or site plan, including plant palette (PDF) - REQUIRED
• Notice of Completion or other documentation that states when the project was completed (PDF) - REQUIRED
• Maximum 3 examples of background information that support one or more of the criteria (PDF)
• One short video (2 min max) showing project usage, aerial drone footage, or before/after walkthrough.
• 6 to 8 photos; before and after photos if a rehabilitation project; each photo labeled with entry and agency name.

Submit Your Nomination Today!

This award recognizes outstanding design of completed recreation, aquatic, or cultural facilities that serve the public and elevate the delivery of park and recreation services. Projects may include new builds or significant renovations that demonstrate a commitment to high-quality planning, community-informed design, operational excellence, aesthetic appeal, accessibility, and flexibility of use.  Eligible facilities may include indoor or mixed-use structures that serve the community’s recreation, learning, cultural, or wellness needs.

To reflect the importance of longevity, usability, and post-construction community impact, eligible projects must be completed and open for public use between November 1, 2024 – October 31, 2025.

CPRS may award up to 1 (one) award per sub-category/per class.

Projects with a focus on outdoor spaces or parks are better suited for the Park Planning category.

Planning/Design Firms, please note:  If your nomination is chosen as an award recipient, you will be required to purchase a secondary award to present to the agency where the project was built.

Project Category:

• New Build
• Renovation Project

Class Categories:

• Class 1:  $0 - $5 million total project cost
• Class 2:  $5 - $15 million total project cost
• Class 3:  $15 million and above total project cost

Choose your sub-category

Award Criteria / Point Value:

1. Project Goals and Alignment with State Priorities

Share how this project aligns with your agency’s mission and CPRS’s statewide initiatives such as the California Action Plan and Parks Make Life Better! goals. Choose one or more of the following guiding outcomes to help tell your story:

• Promote physical, emotional, and mental health and wellness
• Support economic vitality of our community
• Create memorable experiences
• Foster social cohesiveness
• Support human development and endless learning
• Strengthen community identity
• Facilitate community problem and issue resolution
• Sustain and steward our natural, historical, and/or cultural resources
• Support a safe, vibrant, attractive, and progressive community

400 word maximum; 20 points

2. Community Need and Planning Intent

Outline the specific need or vision that guided this project.  Describe the desired outcomes you were looking to achieve.

Some thoughts to consider:

• What was the impact if this community need or challenge was not addressed?
• Who was being underserved or left out, and how did you plan to address that?
• How did the planning phase incorporate inclusive outreach and engagement?

400 word maximum; 20 points

3. Innovative Design Elements

Detail how your approach was different, new, or innovative and how you used new or innovative design elements to reach your desired outcomes. 

Describe specific design features that are new, notable, or inclusive:

• Multi-generational spaces?
• Trauma-informed design?
• Flexible and modular rooms?
• Energy-efficiency or green certifications?
• Adaptive reuse of underutilized buildings?

Some thoughts to consider:

• What features or design decisions support universal access, climate resilience, or community storytelling?
• If rehabilitated, what creative approaches were used to revitalize the space?
• Were non-traditional fiscal or community resources (grants, sponsorships, volunteers, etc.) employed?

400 word maximum; 20 points

4. Community Collaboration

Describe the role policy makers, staff, community members, partners and/or stakeholders played in reaching your desired outcomes.

Some thoughts to consider:

• Who did you bring to the table during concept development?
• How did you engage policy makers, community members, and partners in obtaining needed resources?
• How did you ensure diverse community partners and perspectives in your collaborations and problem solving? 
• What communications channels did you utilize to ensure all community members or stakeholders were included?

400 word maximum; 20 points

5. Measuring Success and Impact

Tell us how you know you reached your desired outcomes as outlined above.  Share what evidence you have that demonstrates this project is meeting community needs.  Consider using:

• Qualitative data – stories, satisfaction
• Quantitative data – attendance, programs offered
• Operational data – cost recovery, maintenance benefits

Some thoughts to consider:

• What metrics did you use to know this was a successful project? 
• How do you know your facility has served a diverse cross-section of your community and/or is inclusive of and accessible to all?
• How have you celebrated your success and shared the story to advocate for additional support, awareness, or resources for this and future projects?

400 word maximum; 20 points

6. Award Application Summary

In 150 words or less, please give us a compelling description of your award nomination, highlighting several points from the questions above.  Note that this 150-word description may be used in CPRS Award program marketing materials. 

Pro Tip:  Write this summary as if it will be read aloud or shared on social media channels.  In other words, be more narrative and less formal… tell us a story!

Additional Supplemental Information Requested/Required 

While not all of this information is required, it will help complete the story you are telling about your nomination.

• Site plan (PDF) - REQUIRED
• Building floor plan (PDF) - REQUIRED
• Notice of Completion or other documentation that states when the project was completed (PDF) - REQUIRED
• Maximum 3 examples of background information that support one or more of the criteria (PDF)
• One short video (2 min max) showing project usage, aerial drone footage, or before/after walkthrough
• 6 to 8 photos including at least 2 interior and 2 exterior photos; before and after photos if a rehabilitation project; each photo labeled with entry and agency name

Submit Your Nomination Today!

This award celebrates creative and effective use of marketing and communications tools that enhance the visibility, reach, and impact of public parks, facilities, or programs. Recognized entries may promote services externally or support internal communications to staff, stakeholders, or current participants.  This award emphasizes the process, strategy, and storytelling power behind communications efforts — not just a 'pretty' final product.

Project must have been launched or implemented between November 1, 2024 – October 31, 2025.
Ongoing or one-time efforts are both eligible. 

CPRS may award up to 1 (one) award per sub-category/per class.

Class Categories:

• Class 1:  up to 50,000 population
• Class 2:  50,001 – 125,000 population
• Class 3:  125,001 – 250,000 population
• Class 4:  250,001 plus population

Choose your sub-category

Award Criteria / Point Value:

1. Telling the Story

Share how this project aligns with your agency’s mission and CPRS’s statewide initiatives such as the California Action Plan and Parks Make Life Better! goals. Choose one or more of the following guiding outcomes to help tell your story:

• Promote physical, emotional, and mental health and wellness
• Support economic vitality of our community
• Create memorable experiences
• Foster social cohesiveness
• Support human development and endless learning
• Strengthen community identity
• Facilitate community problem and issue resolution
• Sustain and steward our natural, historical, and/or cultural resources
• Support a safe, vibrant, attractive, and progressive community

400 word maximum; 20 points

2. Community Need or Challenge and Desired Outcomes

What communications gap or challenge was this effort designed to address?  For example, lack of program awareness, confusing registration, poor online presence, equity gap in language or reach.   What audiences were you targeting and what outcomes did you want to achieve?

Some thoughts to consider:

• What was the impact if this community need or challenge was not addressed?
• Did your desired outcomes consider and address equity, accessibility, and diversity in your community?  How? 

400 word maximum; 20 points

3. Innovative Strategy

What made your approach innovative – in format, channel, message or tone?  Did you explore new platforms, language accessibility, humor, emotional connections, or unconventional formats?

Some thoughts to consider:

• What various strategies, tools, technology, and resources were used?
• What constraints (budget, team size, urgency) did you overcome with creative strategy?
• Did you collaborate with other agencies or create a public/private partnership to accomplish your goals? 

400 word maximum; 20 points

4. Community Collaboration

Who contributed to shaping or sharing your message?  Did you co-create content with youth, older adults, or community partners?  What did stakeholder input look like (i.e. focus groups, surveys, beta testers)?

Some thoughts to consider:

• How did you ensure diverse community partners and perspectives in your collaborations and problem solving? 
• What communications channels did you utilize to ensure all community members or stakeholders were included?

400 word maximum; 20 points

5. Measuring Success

Demonstrate the success of your campaign or communication strategy using measurable outcomes aligned with your original goals.  Share how you evaluated the effectiveness of your message, and how the results reflected growth, behavior change, or enhanced understanding of parks and recreation services.

Some thoughts to consider:

• What metrics did you use to know this was a successful program, park, facility, or marketing effort?  Consider:
  • Web or email analytics
  • Social media reach/engagement
  • Print circulation
  • Survey results or user satisfaction
  • Audience testimonials
  • Internal comms reach/improvement
• How have you celebrated your success and shared the story to advocate for additional support, awareness, or resources?

400 word maximum; 20 points

6. Award Application Summary

In 150 words or less, please give us a compelling description of your award nomination, highlighting several points from the questions above.  Note that this 150-word description may be used in CPRS Award program marketing materials. 

Pro Tip:  Write this summary as if it will be read aloud or shared on social media channels.  In other words, be more narrative and less formal… tell us a story!

Additional Supplemental Information Requested/Required

While not all of this information is required, it will help complete the story you are telling about your nomination.

Video Storytelling:  PSA’s, feature videos, reels

• Link (URL) to where the entry can be viewed on-line
• 3 to 5 screen shots or images of the video in use (jpg image)

Web, Apps, & Podcasts:  website, platforms, podcasts, apps

• Link (URL) to where the entry can be viewed/heard on-line
• 3 to 5 screen shots representative of applicable social media, blogs or websites (jpg image)

Social Media Strategy:  organic or paid content, platform launches

• Link (URL) to where the entry can be viewed on-line
• 3 to 5 screen shots representative of applicable content (jpg image)

Print & Collateral Design:  session guides, brochures, postcards, flyers

• Link (URL) to where the entry can be viewed on-line
• Sample of print material(s) (pdf)

Integrated Campaign:  multi-platform storytelling for one message

Use of multiple avenues to tell ONE story, i.e. 2 of 4 sub-categories, (ads/print materials/promotional items, or social media) targeted to promote a specific agency event, program or facility. Individual items used in the campaign may not be entered as single items in other categories.

• Itemized list of promotional items and a 2-3 sentence description of how item was used (PDF)
• 1 digital photo or screen shot of each item (jpg image)
• Sample of print materials (if used) (PDF)

Submit Your Nomination Today!

CATEGORY UPDATED! Previously our CPRS Rising Star Award!

This award recognizes new professionals who are making a powerful impact — both within CPRS and across the parks and recreation field. These rising stars have shown initiative, leadership, and passion through committee service, innovative projects, event participation, or creative contributions that uplift CPRS and advance the profession.

Awardees typically have between 2 and 5 years of professional experience, and at least 1 year of active involvement with CPRS – whether through service on committees or boards, presenting at events, or supporting CPRS programs.

CPRS may recognize multiple awardees annually. 

Award Narrative

Nominee should demonstrate impact through one or more of the following:

• Innovative Contribution
  Led or contributed to a new CPRS initiative, program, or service that benefited members, increased engagement, or addressed a current challenge.
• Leadership in Action
  Played a visible and consistent role in CPRS leadership at the State, District, or Section level (committee chair, board role, event lead, etc.).
• Thought Leadership
  Presented at CPRS trainings/conferences or contributed to publications, podcasts, or knowledge-sharing efforts that helped move the profession forward.
• Ambassadorship & Outreach
  Actively supported CPRS through event promotion, recruitment of new members, partnerships, fundraising, or championing CPRS at the local level.
• Creative or Operational Support
  Offered behind-the-scenes talent, strategy, or logistical leadership that helped CPRS initiatives succeed (e.g., tech, graphics, volunteer organizing, facilitation).

Award Application Summary

In 150 words or less, tell us why this rising star deserves to be recognized.
Highlight a few key contributions, accomplishments, or examples that illustrate how the nominee has energized CPRS, elevated their peers, or inspired their community.  Note that this 150-word description may be used in future CPRS Award program marketing materials. 

Pro Tip:  Write this summary as if it will be read aloud or shared on social media channels.  In other words, be more narrative and less formal… tell us a story!

Additional Supplemental Information Requested/Required 

While not all of this information is required, it will help complete the story you are telling about your nomination. 

• 1 to 2 photos of nominee; labeled with nominee name & nominator name - REQUIRED
• Testimonial Quote from a colleague or supervisor
• Short video message – 2 minutes or less – about this Emerging Leader

Submit Your Nomination Today!

The CPRS Champion Award honors outstanding professionals whose long-term service has helped shape and sustain both the California Park & Recreation Society and the communities they serve. With at least 10 years of impactful involvement at the State, District, or Section level, these individuals embody steady leadership, generous mentorship, and a deep commitment to collaboration and purpose.  Often working behind the scenes, Champions are the connective thread of our professional network - leading committees, building programs, raising funds, solving challenges, and lifting others up.  While they've moved beyond the 'emerging leader' phase and may not (yet!) be Hall of Fame-bound, their legacy is unmistakable: a stronger CPRS, stronger communities, and a culture of service that continues to inspire. 

CPRS may recognize multiple awardees annually.

Award Narrative

Nominees must demonstrate outstanding CPRS service (10+ years) through one or more of the following:

• Sustained Leadership & Involvement
  Has played a consistent and meaningful leadership role at the State, District, or Section level through board service, committees, or special projects.
• Program or Initiative Builder
  Has developed, expanded, or improved CPRS programs, events, or services that provide clear benefit to members and/or support the mission of CPRS.
• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing
  Has mentored others within CPRS, presented sessions at conferences, or contributed educational content to the CPRS community.
• Organizational Resilience & Responsiveness
  Has helped CPRS navigate challenges or transitions through innovation, strategic thinking, or trusted execution.
• Cross-Organizational Impact
  Has contributed to other allied organizations (e.g., SCPOA, BAPOA, WILS, etc.) in a way that complements or enhances CPRS’s presence or goals.  Has championed cross-collaboration within CPRS Districts, Sections, Committees, and/or Regions.

Award Application Summary

Highlight a few key contributions, accomplishments, or examples that illustrate how the nominee has energized CPRS, elevated their peers, or inspired their community.  Note that this 150-word description may be used in future CPRS Award program marketing materials. 

Pro Tip:  Write this summary as if it will be read aloud or shared on social media channels.  In other words, be more narrative and less formal… tell us a story!

Additional Supplemental Information Requested/Required 

While not all of this information is required, it will help complete the story you are telling about your nomination.

• 1 to 2 photos of nominee; labeled with nominee name & nominator name - REQUIRED
• Testimonial Quote from a colleague or supervisor
• Short video message – 2 minutes or less – about this CPRS Champion

Submit Your Nomination Today!

The CPRS Hall of Fame honors extraordinary professionals who have dedicated their careers to the advancement of the parks and recreation field and the California Park & Recreation Society. Inductees have not only left a lasting imprint on the communities they served, but have also demonstrated visionary leadership, a spirit of service, and unwavering commitment to the mission and values of CPRS.

This honor celebrates those whose careers reflect:

• Transformational leadership in the field of parks and recreation
• Enduring service and strategic contributions to CPRS
• Advocacy, mentorship, and influence that shaped the profession statewide
• A legacy of impact, innovation, and inspiration

The CPRS Hall of Fame is permanently displayed at CPRS Headquarters in Sacramento.

CPRS may recognize multiple awardees annually. 

Award Narrative

Nominees must demonstrate a high level of achievement in at least four (4) of the following areas, with CPRS service being one of them:

• Service to CPRS (Required)
  • Demonstrated leadership and sustained service to CPRS at the state, district, section, or committee level.
  • Contributed to the growth, strategic direction, and relevance of CPRS through long-term involvement, mentorship, program development, or organizational stewardship.
• Transformational Leadership in the Profession
  • Led or contributed to significant advancements in parks and recreation policy, planning, access, or operations.
  • Acted as a catalyst for systemic change or organizational growth in local or regional agencies.
• Community Impact
  • Created measurable, lasting improvements in access to recreation, public health, equity, or environmental stewardship within their community(ies).
  • Championed initiatives that addressed major challenges, underserved populations, or complex community needs.
• Mentorship & Workforce Development
  • Played a key role in developing the next generation of park and recreation professionals through mentorship, education, or succession planning.
• Partnership Building
  • Established enduring collaborations, alliances, or coalitions that expanded the reach, resources, or impact of public parks and recreation.
• Innovation & Vision
  • Demonstrated forward-thinking approaches that positioned their agency or CPRS for long-term success.
  • Introduced breakthrough solutions to emerging challenges in the field.

Award Application Summary

Highlight a few key contributions, accomplishments, or examples that illustrate how the nominee has energized CPRS, elevated their peers, or inspired their community.  Note that this 150-word description may be used in future CPRS Award program marketing materials. 

Pro Tip:  Write this summary as if it will be read aloud or shared on social media channels.  In other words, be more narrative and less formal… tell us a story!

Additional Supplemental Information Requested/Required

While not all of this information is required, it will help complete the story you are telling about your nomination.

• Up to four (4) letters of reference or achievement (1 page each) that speak to the nominee's legacy and address at least one of the eligibility criteria above. 
  • Letters should ideally reflect a range of perspectives, such as:
    • Fellow CPRS leaders
    • Professional peers or agency staff
    • Community partners or stakeholders
    • Mentees or emerging professionals
    • Elected or appointed officials
• 1 to 2 photos of nominee; labeled with nominee name & nominator name - REQUIRED
• Short video message - 2 minutes or less - about this CPRS Hall of Famer

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