Honoring Vision, Innovation & Impact
Each year, mParks celebrates the individuals and organizations that redefine what’s possible in parks and recreation. The mParks Awards Program honors dedication, creativity, and service, spotlighting leaders and initiatives that inspire peers, engage communities, and move our profession forward.
From innovative programming to outstanding design, from emerging professionals to lifelong mentors, these awards recognize the best of Michigan’s parks and recreation community.
From innovative programming to outstanding design, from emerging professionals to lifelong mentors, these awards recognize the best of Michigan’s parks and recreation community.
- Nomination Deadline: October 31, 2029
- Notification letters will be sent by December 9, 2026
- Awards will be presented at the 2027 mParks Conference & Trade Show
Professional Awards
Recognizing individuals whose leadership, innovation, and commitment shape the future of parks and recreation in Michigan.
- Fellowship Award: The highest honor bestowed by mParks. Recognizes a member with 20+ years of professional service who has advanced the field through leadership, mentorship, and integrity.
- Recreation Leadership Award: Celebrates creative and inclusive leadership in recreation programming by a professional with 10+ years of mParks membership.
- Park Maintenance Leadership Award: Honors excellence in park maintenance, resource management, and environmental stewardship.
- New Professional Award: Recognizes individuals with five years or fewer in full-time recreation work who demonstrate exceptional promise and engagement with their community and mParks.
- Local Official Award: Honors a local elected or appointed official whose leadership and advocacy have expanded access to parks and recreation in their community.
- Elected Official Award: Recognizes a state or federal level elected official who has championed policies and funding benefiting parks and recreation statewide.
Organizational Awards
Celebrating agencies, teams, and partners whose creativity and collaboration strengthen communities across Michigan.
- Facility Design Award: Recognizes outstanding indoor or support facilities (e.g., community centers, restrooms, shelters) that blend beauty, function, and innovation.
- Landscape Design Award: Celebrates creative uses of land through gardens, art installations, conservation projects, or interpretive paths.
- Park Design Award: Honors exceptional outdoor spaces such as splash pads, trails, playgrounds, and sports complexes.
- Innovative Recreation Programming Award: Celebrates programs that creatively use resources, partnerships, or new ideas to expand access or engagement.
- Innovative Park Resources Award: Honors inventive approaches to park operations, sustainability, or maintenance that improve efficiency and experience.
- Seasonal Brochure / Activity Guide Design Award: Acknowledges excellence in visual design, clarity, and inspiring written content.
- Website Design Award: Recognizes outstanding digital presence that enhances accessibility, registration, and community connection.
- Social Media Campaign Award: Honors creative and impactful use of social media to promote parks, programs, or initiatives.
- Graphic Design Award: Celebrates visual storytelling through print or digital materials such as flyers, banners, or maps.
- Integrated Marketing Campaign (IMC) Award: Recognizes a cohesive campaign that unites multiple platforms to deliver a powerful message.
- Media Advocate Award: Honors a media professional who consistently champions parks and recreation in their coverage.
Selection Process
All nominations are evaluated by the mParks Inspire Committee, comprised of professionals representing the entirety of the mParks Membership. The Committee uses defined criteria for each category. To help your nominee stand out, include detailed examples, support materials, and compelling stories of their impact.
Evaluation includes:
Questions or concerns about the nomination process?
Contact mParks Director of Communications & Strategic Partnerships, Tina Nowakowski for assistance.
Evaluation includes:
- Length of mParks membership (when applicable)
- Leadership and community involvement
- Program or design innovation
- Collaboration and partnership efforts
- Professional certifications or training
- Measurable impact on the field
Questions or concerns about the nomination process?
Contact mParks Director of Communications & Strategic Partnerships, Tina Nowakowski for assistance.
