Celebrating the Heart of Parks and Recreation
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Behind every thriving park and recreation program are the dedicated people and partners who make it possible: volunteers, advocates, frontline staff, and community champions. The mParks Community Service Awards honor these individuals and groups for their outstanding support and impact across Michigan.
Whether they’ve helped build a trail, coach youth sports, answer phones at a rec center, or sponsor your community events, this is your opportunity to say thank you in a meaningful way. Nominations are open Monday, August 10 - Friday, September 18. Local Award Presentations will be held from September 21 to December 31, 2026. |
Local Recognition, Statewide Appreciation
To ensure these celebrations are meaningful and accessible, 2026 Community Service Awards will be presented locally at events scheduled by each nominating agency. A member of the mParks Inspire Committee will coordinate and attend the presentation, helping you shine a spotlight on your community’s unsung heroes.
Instructions for scheduling your award presentation are included at the end of the nomination form.
Who Can Nominate?
Only current mParks members are eligible to submit nominations. Each organization may submit the following number of nominations:
2026 mParks Community Service Awards will be presented at your local events by members of the Inspire Committee. This will allow more members of your community to attend and celebrate your volunteers. Information on scheduling your presentation will be on the last page of this application.
Nominations are open Monday, August 10 - Friday, September 18.
Local Award Presentations will be held from September 21 to December 31, 2026.
Instructions for scheduling your award presentation are included at the end of the nomination form.
Who Can Nominate?
Only current mParks members are eligible to submit nominations. Each organization may submit the following number of nominations:
- Individual members: 1 nomination
- Agency members: 2 nominations
- County departments: 3 nominations
- Statewide agencies: 4 nominations
2026 mParks Community Service Awards will be presented at your local events by members of the Inspire Committee. This will allow more members of your community to attend and celebrate your volunteers. Information on scheduling your presentation will be on the last page of this application.
Nominations are open Monday, August 10 - Friday, September 18.
Local Award Presentations will be held from September 21 to December 31, 2026.
Award Categories |
Community Service Award
The Community Service Award recognizes individuals, organizations, businesses, volunteer groups, and community partners whose dedication and support have strengthened parks and recreation within their community. Through their generosity, advocacy, volunteerism, or collaborative partnerships, these recipients have made a meaningful and lasting impact on local parks, programs, and the people they serve.
This award celebrates those whose commitment extends beyond a single event or project. Whether through years of volunteer service, financial support, leadership, or hands-on involvement, these individuals and organizations help create vibrant parks, enriching recreation opportunities, and stronger, more connected communities.
Past recipients have included Friends groups, advisory boards, long-time volunteers, sponsors, civic organizations, local businesses, and community partners whose contributions have enhanced the quality of life for residents across Michigan.
Ideal nominees include individuals or organizations who:
This award celebrates those whose commitment extends beyond a single event or project. Whether through years of volunteer service, financial support, leadership, or hands-on involvement, these individuals and organizations help create vibrant parks, enriching recreation opportunities, and stronger, more connected communities.
Past recipients have included Friends groups, advisory boards, long-time volunteers, sponsors, civic organizations, local businesses, and community partners whose contributions have enhanced the quality of life for residents across Michigan.
Ideal nominees include individuals or organizations who:
- Demonstrate an outstanding commitment to supporting parks and recreation.
- Contribute significant volunteer time, resources, expertise, or advocacy.
- Foster meaningful partnerships that benefit their community.
- Create a lasting positive impact through their service and dedication.
- Embody the spirit of community engagement and collaboration.
Frontline/Customer Service - NEW
The Frontline/Customer Service Award recognizes the dedicated employees who create exceptional experiences for residents and visitors through outstanding service, professionalism, and commitment to their community. These individuals are often the first point of contact for the public and play an essential role in shaping positive interactions with parks and recreation services every day.
This award honors team members whose work may not fall within traditional parks and recreation roles but is critical to the success of their department. Whether greeting guests at a community or recreation center, assisting residents through a call center, operating concessions, maintaining facilities, supporting daily operations, or serving in another frontline role, these employees consistently go above and beyond to ensure programs, facilities, and services run smoothly.
Eligible nominees include full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees who demonstrate exceptional customer service, reliability, teamwork, and a positive attitude. Through their dedication, problem-solving, and willingness to serve others, these individuals make a lasting impact on their department, colleagues, and the communities they serve.
Ideal nominees include individuals who:
This award honors team members whose work may not fall within traditional parks and recreation roles but is critical to the success of their department. Whether greeting guests at a community or recreation center, assisting residents through a call center, operating concessions, maintaining facilities, supporting daily operations, or serving in another frontline role, these employees consistently go above and beyond to ensure programs, facilities, and services run smoothly.
Eligible nominees include full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees who demonstrate exceptional customer service, reliability, teamwork, and a positive attitude. Through their dedication, problem-solving, and willingness to serve others, these individuals make a lasting impact on their department, colleagues, and the communities they serve.
Ideal nominees include individuals who:
- Serve in a frontline, customer service, operations, maintenance, or other public-facing support role.
- Consistently provide exceptional service and create welcoming, positive experiences for community members.
- Demonstrate professionalism, dependability, and a commitment to excellence.
- Go above and beyond to support their department, teammates, and the public.
- Embody the mission and values of parks and recreation through their daily interactions and service.
Rising Star - NEW
The Rising Star Award recognizes an exceptional emerging parks and recreation professional who, in a short period of time, has made a meaningful and lasting impact on their department, organization, and community. This award is intended for part-time, seasonal, temporary, or student intern employees who have demonstrated outstanding initiative, professionalism, and a passion for serving others.
Recipients consistently exceed expectations, embrace opportunities to learn, and make valuable contributions through their work, creativity, teamwork, and commitment to excellence. They bring fresh ideas, a positive attitude, and a willingness to go above and beyond, demonstrating the qualities of a future leader in the parks and recreation profession.
Ideal nominees include individuals who:
Recipients consistently exceed expectations, embrace opportunities to learn, and make valuable contributions through their work, creativity, teamwork, and commitment to excellence. They bring fresh ideas, a positive attitude, and a willingness to go above and beyond, demonstrating the qualities of a future leader in the parks and recreation profession.
Ideal nominees include individuals who:
- Serve in a part-time, seasonal, temporary, or student intern role.
- Have made a significant positive impact despite their limited time with the organization.
- Demonstrate initiative, dependability, and a strong commitment to learning and growth.
- Provide exceptional service to their community, participants, and colleagues.
- Show outstanding promise for a successful future in parks and recreation.
Margaret Whitehead Senior of the Year
The Margaret Whitehead Senior of the Year Award honors an exceptional senior citizen whose leadership, volunteerism, and passion for parks and recreation have enriched the lives of others and strengthened their community. This award celebrates older adults who continue to inspire through active engagement, lifelong service, and a commitment to improving the quality of life for people of all ages.
Named in honor of Margaret Whitehead, the visionary who established Michigan's first senior center and founded what is now the mParks Grand Experience, this award recognizes individuals who exemplify her legacy of service, inclusion, and community connection.
Recipients serve as role models by giving back, encouraging others to stay active and engaged, and demonstrating that leadership and community impact know no age.
Ideal nominees include individuals who:
Named in honor of Margaret Whitehead, the visionary who established Michigan's first senior center and founded what is now the mParks Grand Experience, this award recognizes individuals who exemplify her legacy of service, inclusion, and community connection.
Recipients serve as role models by giving back, encouraging others to stay active and engaged, and demonstrating that leadership and community impact know no age.
Ideal nominees include individuals who:
- Demonstrate outstanding leadership and volunteer service within their community.
- Promote active aging and encourage participation in parks and recreation.
- Inspire others through their generosity, positivity, and commitment to service.
- Have made a meaningful and lasting contribution to programs, organizations, or initiatives that benefit others.
- Reflect the legacy of Margaret Whitehead through dedication, compassion, and community involvement.
Youth Sports Coach of the Year
The Youth Sports Coach of the Year Award recognizes an exceptional coach who positively impacts young athletes through leadership, mentorship, and a commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment. More than teaching athletic skills, this coach instills confidence, sportsmanship, teamwork, respect, and a lifelong love of recreation and physical activity.
This award honors coaches who lead with integrity, place the well-being of participants first, and serve as positive role models both on and off the field. Whether coaching recreational or competitive programs, recipients demonstrate excellence in developing athletes while fostering character, inclusion, and personal growth.
Ideal nominees include coaches who:
This award honors coaches who lead with integrity, place the well-being of participants first, and serve as positive role models both on and off the field. Whether coaching recreational or competitive programs, recipients demonstrate excellence in developing athletes while fostering character, inclusion, and personal growth.
Ideal nominees include coaches who:
- Create a positive, inclusive, and safe environment for all participants.
- Model integrity, sportsmanship, and respect.
- Encourage teamwork, confidence, and personal development alongside athletic achievement.
- Build meaningful relationships with athletes and families.
- Make a lasting impact on youth through exceptional leadership and mentorship.
Youth Sports Staff Member of the Year
The Youth Sports Staff Member of the Year Award recognizes the dedicated individuals who work behind the scenes and on the field to ensure youth sports programs are safe, organized, welcoming, and successful. From referees and umpires to field supervisors, site coordinators, scorekeepers, and other support staff, these professionals play a vital role in creating positive experiences for athletes, coaches, and families.
This award celebrates individuals whose professionalism, fairness, reliability, and commitment to excellence help make youth sports programs thrive. Whether serving as a full-time, part-time, seasonal, or volunteer staff member, recipients consistently go above and beyond to support participants and uphold the values of parks and recreation.
Ideal nominees include individuals who:
This award celebrates individuals whose professionalism, fairness, reliability, and commitment to excellence help make youth sports programs thrive. Whether serving as a full-time, part-time, seasonal, or volunteer staff member, recipients consistently go above and beyond to support participants and uphold the values of parks and recreation.
Ideal nominees include individuals who:
- Serve in a youth sports support role, including officiating, field supervision, site operations, or program support.
- Demonstrate professionalism, fairness, and exceptional customer service.
- Foster a safe, welcoming, and positive environment for participants and families.
- Go above and beyond to ensure programs run smoothly and successfully.
- Positively represent their department through dedication, teamwork, and service.
