Celebrating Excellence: Announcing the 2025–2026 mParks Award Winners

mParks is proud to announce the 2025–2026 mParks Award Winners, recognizing outstanding projects, programs, and professionals that continue to elevate parks and recreation across Michigan. From transformative park and facility designs to innovative programming, marketing excellence, and inspiring individual leadership, this year’s award recipients reflect the depth, creativity, and commitment found throughout our profession.]
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All awards will be presented during the 2026 mParks Conference & Trade Show, taking place March 3–6, 2026, in Lansing. These honorees represent the power of parks and recreation to strengthen communities, foster inclusion, protect natural resources, and enhance quality of life statewide. 

Design Awards

​Recognizing excellence in planning, design, and development of parks, facilities, and landscapes
Design awards honor projects that demonstrate innovation, community engagement, sustainability, and long-term impact, creating spaces that invite connection, play, and stewardship.

Design awards will be presented on Tuesday, March 3, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the Opening Session.

Facility Design

• Livonia Senior Wellness Center – Livonia Parks & Recreation
• Holland Charter Township Community Center – Holland Charter Township Recreation
• Godwin Mercado – Wyoming Parks & Recreation
• Midland Miracle Field – Midland Parks & Recreation

Landscape Design

• Brighton Recreation Sensory Area – Michigan DNIR
• Heritage Pocket Park – Orion Township Parks & Recreation

Park Design

• Maplewood Park – Bay City Parks
• James J. Keeley Park – Jackson County Parks
• Rockwell Park Bicycle Playground – Kalamazoo Parks & Recreation
• Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve – Southfield Parks & Recreation
• Jeanne M. Stine Community Park – Troy Recreation
• Pitchford Park – Macomb Township Parks & Recreation
• Hemlock Park – Big Rapids Parks & Recreation
• Clinton Township Inclusive Playground – Clinton Township Parks & Recreation
• Fish Ladder Music Park – Lansing Parks & Recreation​​

These projects demonstrate how thoughtful design can transform underutilized spaces into vibrant community assets, supporting accessibility, environmental education, intergenerational play, and neighborhood pride.

​Advocacy & Leadership in Government

Recognizing champions who advance parks and recreation through public service
Elected Official awards will be presented on Tuesday, March 3, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the Opening Session.

Elected Official

Senator Sue Shink – State of Michigan

Mayor Brian Turnbull – City of Northville

Representative Kathy Schmaltz – State of Michigan

Commissioner David Woodward – Oakland County

These leaders exemplify how advocacy at the local and state level plays a critical role in protecting funding, expanding access, and elevating the importance of parks and recreation statewide.

​Innovation Awards

Honoring creative approaches that expand access, engagement, and impact
Innovation awards recognize programs and initiatives that push boundaries and respond to community needs in new and meaningful ways.

Innovation awards will be presented on Wednesday, March 4, from 11:45 am to 1:30 pm at the Delegate Lunch

Innovative Park Resources

• Native Plant Growing – Genesee County Parks & Recreation Commission
• Paddleshack – Huron-Clinton Metroparks

Innovative Recreation Programming

• Stuffed Animal Adoption Day – Genesee County Parks & Recreation Commission
• Writing Workshop – St. Johns Parks & Recreation
• Cardboard Sled Race – Midland Parks & Recreation
• Rooted in Community – Oak Park Recreation​​

These initiatives demonstrate how creativity and adaptability can foster deeper community connections, promote environmental stewardship, and make recreation more inclusive and engaging.

​Individual Professional Awards

Individual awards will be presented on Thursday, March 5, from 6:30 to 9:00 pm at the Awards Banquet.

Fellowship Award
The highest individual honor, recognizing lifetime achievement and sustained service

Clay Summers, CPRP – Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Clay Summers’ career spans more than two decades of leadership at the local, county, association, and state levels. From guiding communities as a parks and recreation director to serving as Executive Director of mParks and now supporting communities statewide through the DNR, Clay has strengthened the profession through mentorship, advocacy, and collaboration. His influence has helped shape policy, funding, and professional development opportunities across Michigan. Clay’s legacy reflects integrity, service, and a deep commitment to improving communities through parks and recreation.​

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New Professional Award
Honoring emerging leaders making an early and lasting impact​

Madison Lachance, CPRP – Novi Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services
Madison Lachance has quickly become a trusted leader known for compassion, innovation, and connection. Her work in older adult services, nature-based programming, and signature community events has created meaningful opportunities for engagement and belonging. Through active leadership in mParks, including the New Professionals Focus Area, Madison continues to inspire peers across the state. Her work demonstrates the power of recreation to connect people to nature and one another.​

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Jordan Hilbrecht – Howell Recreation
Jordan Hilbrecht exemplifies creativity, energy, and inclusive leadership. From managing large-scale festivals to launching the “Rec on the Go” mobile recreation program, she has expanded access to recreation for underserved populations. Jordan’s long-standing involvement with mParks—from youth programming to professional leadership—reflects her dedication to the profession’s future. Her ability to build partnerships and mentor others makes her a standout emerging leader.

Park Resources Leadership Award
Recognizing excellence in park operations, maintenance, and resource stewardship

Chris Frey – West Bloomfield Parks & Recreation
With more than 25 years of service, Chris Frey is a respected leader in park maintenance and operations. His behind-the-scenes leadership has supported award-winning facilities, complex capital projects, and statewide professional development through mParks. Known for his generosity, attention to detail, and mentorship, Chris ensures parks remain safe, sustainable, and welcoming for all. His work has strengthened both his community and the broader profession.​

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Recreation Leadership Award
Honoring sustained leadership and impact in recreation services

Greg Morris, CPRP, CFEA – Northville Parks & Recreation
Greg Morris is a dynamic leader whose career reflects vision, resilience, and service. With more than 20 years in the field, he has guided organizational transformation, strategic planning, and professional engagement at the local and state levels. His leadership within mParks and USA Softball, combined with his commitment to mentoring others, has strengthened communities across Michigan. Greg’s authenticity and passion make him a powerful advocate for parks and recreation. 

Daniel Sullivan – Oxford Township Parks & Recreation
Daniel Sullivan’s nearly three decades of service exemplify steady, people-focused leadership. At Oxford Township, he has expanded athletic programming, strengthened partnerships, and enhanced experiences for youth and families. Known as a mentor and advocate, Dan’s commitment extends beyond his community through continued involvement with mParks and youth sports organizations. His career reflects the enduring value of recreation in building healthy, connected communities. ​

​Marketing Awards

Honoring excellence in storytelling, outreach, and engagement
Marketing awards recognize efforts that effectively communicate value, inspire participation, and strengthen public awareness.
Marketing awards will be presented on Friday, March 6, from 8:30 to 11:00 am at the Opening Session.

• Social Media Campaign: #WildlifeWednesday – Orion Township Parks & Recreation
• Website: Find Your Wild! – Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation
• Integrated Marketing Campaign: 2025 Pool Pass Campaign – Grand Rapids Parks & Recreation
• Media Advocate: John Ehlke – Independence Television
• Seasonal Brochure / Activity Guide: Winter 2025/2026 Recreation Guide – Troy Recreation
• Graphic Design Piece: Impact Report – Royal Oak Parks & Recreation​

These campaigns and tools underscore the crucial role that communication plays in fostering trust, engagement, and visibility for parks and recreation services.

​Join Us in Lansing

​We look forward to celebrating all 2025–2026 mParks Award Winners at the 2026 mParks Conference & Trade Show, March 3–6 in Lansing. Together, these projects, programs, and professionals showcase the incredible impact parks and recreation have on communities throughout Michigan.