Honoring Vision, Innovation & Impact
Parks and recreation are built on more than passion — they’re built on planning, creativity, and commitment. The mParks Organizational Awards celebrate the exceptional programs, designs, and campaigns that raise the bar across Michigan. From bold new facilities to engaging marketing strategies and trailblazing programs, these awards recognize the efforts that make our communities stronger, healthier, and more connected.
Does your agency have a project that inspired action? A program that reached a new audience? A campaign that brought your community closer? This is your chance to shine.
Nominations are due October 31, 2026, and award notifications will be sent by December 9, 2026.
Awards will be presented at the 2027 mParks Conference & Trade Show at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa | February 2-5, 2027.
Does your agency have a project that inspired action? A program that reached a new audience? A campaign that brought your community closer? This is your chance to shine.
Nominations are due October 31, 2026, and award notifications will be sent by December 9, 2026.
Awards will be presented at the 2027 mParks Conference & Trade Show at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa | February 2-5, 2027.
Bringing Big Ideas to Life
These awards recognize exceptional park and facility design that blends beauty, function, and innovation — and makes a lasting impact on the communities served.
These awards recognize exceptional park and facility design that blends beauty, function, and innovation — and makes a lasting impact on the communities served.
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Facility Design
For indoor or support structures such as community centers, restrooms, nature centers, shelters, and welcome areas. Landscape Design Celebrating creative uses of land, including gardens, interpretive paths, art installations, and conservation projects. Park Design Honoring integrated park spaces such as splash pads, outdoor aquatic centers, trails, playgrounds, and sports complexes. |
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Elevating Experiences for All
Programs are the heartbeat of recreation — and these awards recognize efforts that are inclusive, creative, and responsive to evolving community needs.
Programs are the heartbeat of recreation — and these awards recognize efforts that are inclusive, creative, and responsive to evolving community needs.
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Innovative Recreation Programming
For programs that break new ground, reach new audiences, or creatively use tools and resources. Innovative Park Resources Honoring forward-thinking maintenance solutions, revenue generators, or sustainability practices. |
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Telling the Story of Parks & Recreation
Effective communication builds support, sparks participation, and connects people to the benefits of recreation. These awards recognize creative storytelling and strategic outreach that drive results and build trust.
Effective communication builds support, sparks participation, and connects people to the benefits of recreation. These awards recognize creative storytelling and strategic outreach that drive results and build trust.
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Graphic Design Piece
This award celebrates visual storytelling in both print and digital formats. Entries are judged on creativity, design quality, and clarity of message. Eligible materials include but are not limited to flyers, social media graphics, special brochures, maps, banners, signs, and postcards. Integrated Marketing Campaign (IMC) Great campaigns don’t just look good — they align message and media to drive real impact. The IMC Award honors a cohesive campaign that used three or more platforms to deliver a unified, compelling message. Media Advocate Parks and recreation stories often start with strong media allies. The Media Advocate Award honors a member of the media community — from radio hosts to reporters, editors to bloggers — who has consistently championed local parks and programs. Seasonal Brochure / Activity Guide Entries are judged on visual design, effective use of photography or illustration, and the quality of written content. Creativity, clarity, and the ability to guide and excite readers are key to standing out in this category. Social Media Campaign This award recognizes a campaign that used social media creatively and effectively to achieve a goal. Entries should demonstrate strategy, innovation, alignment with best practices, and measurable results. Platforms may include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, or others. Website Judges will assess ease of navigation, visual appeal, quality of content, and how effectively the site meets community needs, whether for program registration, park info, or general outreach. |
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