2024 Awards Nominations are due April 5, 2024

Every year at the Annual Conference, CARPD honors excellence in the field by recognizing the winners of its esteemed Awards of Distinction. CARPD will be continuing its tradition by awarding Member  Districts, Board Members, Staff Members, and Community members who -- by parks and rec standards -- have really "knocked it out of the park!"

SUBMITTAL OF NOMINATION - Please review the categories, and then submit a written nomination no longer than 1 page and include 1-2 photographs in support of your nominee. Submissions must be received by April 5, 2024. Districts may submit nominations in multiple categories by visiting the CARPD Awards Nomination page

District Awards

Outstanding New Facility: Honors excellence in design and planning of newly constructed public park facilities. Demonstrates high standards of quality, versatility, accessibility, and community involvement.

Outstanding Renovated Facility: Honors excellence in design and planning of newly renovated public park facilities. Exhibits high standards of quality, versatility, accessibility, and community involvement.

Environmental Excellence Award: Honors programming or planning that supports environmental sustainability in the operation and management of District facilities.

Outstanding Activity/Program/Special Event: Honors outstanding and unique achievements in program planning, development, and implementation of a District activity or special event.

Outstanding Innovation: Honors unique or groundbreaking recreation programs, park maintenance practices, or District operations.

CARPD Community Landmark Award: Recognizes public park facilities that have served communities for 30 or more years.  Honors those facilities that have been at the core of recreation and park activities for a diverse user base and provided a wide-range of experiences and activities to the community.

Individual Awards

Outstanding District Employee: Any employee whose significant contributions have gone above and beyond in service of their District.

Outstanding General Manager: Any General Manager or District Administrator whose significant contributions have gone above and beyond in service of their District.

Outstanding Board Member: Any individual serving as  Board Member for at least one term of office (4 years) whose significant contributions have benefitted their District.

Community Awards (Limit 1 Per District—ALL Nominees Honored)

Outstanding Community Organization/Partner: Honors any public or private club, special interest group, or public agency that has made a significant contribution to a District recreation or park program.

Outstanding Volunteer: Honors any person who has provided outstanding participation, volunteer service, or other significant contributions to a District recreation or park program.