About CPRS

At CPRS, we’re all about advancing the park and recreation profession—and the professionals who make it thrive. Through our CARD framework—Community, Advancement, Resources, and Development—we connect members, grow leaders, share tools, and support lifelong learning. Our mission is to inspire excellence and elevate the quality of life for all Californians—starting with you. CPRS is your professional home base, idea hub, and cheer squad, all rolled into one.

Awards Program Overview

Celebrating the Best of the Best in California!

Award Categories

8 Categories, 6 Criteria... submit your nomination today!

Award Program FAQs

You have questions... we have answers! Find them all here!

Award Nomination DEADLINE

Thursday, December 18, 11:59pm!

CPRS Awards Program

Celebrating the Best of the Best in California!

DEADLINE is Thursday, December 18!

Awards Overview
Categories At a Glance
Meet the Awards Team

About the CPRS Awards Program

CPRS Awards of Excellence

Celebrating Excellence in Parks & Recreation

The Awards of Excellence honor the outstanding projects, programs, and strategies that elevate the impact of parks and recreation across California. From bold innovations and inspiring community initiatives to cutting-edge facility design, inclusive marketing, and visionary park planning - these awards celebrate the people and ideas shaping the future of our field. Whether large or small in scale, each entry reflects the creativity, dedication, and community spirit at the heart of CPRS.

Every submission is reviewed by a panel of peers, and only the most impactful, innovative, and inspiring work earns recognition. Prepare your nomination well, telling us a meaningful story of how your project, program, service or leader truly impacts your community and our industry.

Innovation | Community Impact | Park Planning | Facility Design | Marketing & Communications

CPRS Professional Awards

Honoring the People Who Power Parks & Recreation

The CPRS Professional Awards celebrate the individuals who embody the heart, soul, and future of our profession. From emerging leaders just beginning to leave their mark, to steadfast champions who uplift CPRS year after year, to visionary trailblazers whose legacies shape our field - these awards honor the people behind the programs. Whether they’re leading from the front, mentoring others, or serving behind the scenes, these honorees represent the best of who we are.

Emerging Leader | CPRS Champion | CPRS Hall of Fame

Categories At a Glance

CPRS Awards of Excellence

2025 Award Categories

Award	What it Honors	Eligible Entries	Judged On	Fee
Innovation Award NEW!!	New, bold, or out-of-the-box ideas in programs, services, outreach, or operations	One-time or ongoing initiatives launched in the past year	Storytelling, Vision, Innovation, Engagement, Impact	$85 CPRS Member $180 CPRS non-member
Community Impact Category Updated!	Long-term programs that demonstrate measurable, equitable, and sustained outcomes	Programs/services active 3+ years	Storytelling, Vision, Innovation, Collaboration, Impact	$85 CPRS Member $180 CPRS non-member
Park Planning	Outdoor spaces that reflect strong community design, identity, and functionality	New builds or major renovations completed this year	Goals, Planning, Design, Collaboration, Impact	$85 CPRS Member $180 CPRS non-member
Facility Design	Completed indoor or mixed-use facilities that serve recreation or cultural needs	New builds or major renovations completed this year	Goals, Planning, Design, Collaboration, Impact	$85 CPRS Member $180 CPRS non-member
Marketing & Communications	Campaigns, media, or materials that tell the story of parks & recreation	Digital, print, video, or integrated campaigns:	Storytelling, Need, Strategy, Collaboration, Impact	$85 CPRS Member $180 CPRS non-member

CRPS Professional Awards

2025 Award Categories

Award	Target Audience	Years of Service	Key Traits	The Why…	Fee
Emerging Leader	Early-career professionals who are active contributors and rising voices within CPRS	2-5 years fulltime professional; minimum 1 year active CPRS involvement	Energy, innovation, initiative, enthusiasm	Recognize and inspire the next generation of CPRS leaders	No Fee
CPRS Champion	Mid-career contributors with a long-standing, consistent impact on CPRS	10+ years fulltime professional and service to CPRS	Steady, long-term service and involvement, mentorship, reliability, cross-collaboration	Celebrate the ‘glue people’ who help CPRS thrive behind the scenes	No Fee
CPRS Hall of Fame	Distinguished, seasoned professionals	20+ years fulltime professional and service to CPRS	Visionary leadership, legacy, transformative change	CPRS’ highest honor for lifetime achievement and service	No Fee