The Utah Recreation and Parks Association Awards Program Overview Purpose of Awards Program - To establish an awards program for the recognition of Utah Recreation and Parks Association (URPA) members for exceptional effort or contribution to the field of recreation, parks, leisure services, and academics. All nominations must include a 250 word summary and photo for the awards booklet. Each year the Utah Recreation and Parks Association (URPA) recognizes outstanding achievement in the field of parks, recreation, leisure services, and education within the State of Utah. Nominations are received in sixteen separate categories. Individuals, facilities, programs, and departments are acknowledged for their accomplishments. Categories include the following: Outstanding Professional Management Recreation Parks (Parks, Cemetery, Golf Course) Aquatics Academic Young Professional Lifetime Achievement Innovation of the Year Outstanding Program Outstanding Adaptive Program Outstanding Facility Outstanding Citizen Advocate/Volunteer Outstanding Department Class I (under 15,000 population) Class II (15,000-50,000 population) Class III (over 50,000 population) Vendor / Sponsor of the Year Great Western Park & Playground Professional Scholarship Steve and Georgia Carpenter Professional Scholarship Fred and Judy Tamagawa Professional Scholarship Nominees may submit hard copies of the nomination form including extra pages as needed. Nominations may also be submitted online at (http://urpa.org/conferences.aspx). Nominations require detail and thorough-ness in substantiating the nomination. A separate nomination form or packet is required for each category submitted for consideration. The URPA Past President's Award Selection Committee is formally established to meet, review, and select a winner from each established category. Nominations are given a score on a scale from 1-5 for respective award criteria. Awards are presented during the Annual Utah Recreation and Parks Association Conference held in early spring. All current and Honorary URPA members may submit one or more nominations for evaluation. URPA 2016 AWARDS PROGRAM 1
OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL - AWARD CRITERIA Criteria - An individual who has made substantial and significant contributions to the profession on a regional, state, national, or international level. Has provided outstanding service to the profession by serving on boards and/or committees or has found success in their related field (aquatics, recreation, parks maintenance, etc.). Each Professional Award category has additional nominee criteria! Additional Nominee Criteria - Management Department Directors and Assistants, Superintendents, Managers, or Facility Directors. An individual who has exemplified commitment and outstanding service to the profession. Additional Nominee Criteria - Recreation Recreation (Coordinators, Programmers, Supervisors) An individual who has exemplified commitment and outstanding service to the area of recreation. An individual who characterize Parks and Recreation through their management positions along with demonstrating great leadership. Has served on a distinct committee(s) or done legislative work affecting parks or recreation. Author of important research contributing to greater knowledge. Facilitation of special funding for recreational facilities or programs. URPA membership required. Outstanding Professional - Management Provide a listing of professional awards received or special recognition within the field of Parks and Recreation. List professional articles or research authored by the nominee. An individual who characterize recreation through their leadership, advocacy, community outreach, supervisory skills, and program development. Creation of unique events, innovation in the work place or identification of critical needs in recreation. Author of important research contributing to greater knowledge. Facilitation of special funding for recreational facilities or programs. URPA membership required. Outstanding Professional - Recreation the individual being nominated. Provide a listing of professional awards received or special recognition within the field of Recreation. List professional articles or research authored by the nominee. 2 URPA 2016 AWARDS PROGRAM
Discuss the outstanding accomplishments achieved by the nominee in the field of Parks and Recreation. Provide a listing of special committee positions held or legislative work performed affecting or contributing to the field of Parks and Recreation. Provide a brief statement on how the nominee has actively supported and positively impacted the efforts of URPA. List any creation of unique events, innovation in the work place or identification of critical needs in recreation or parks. Explain how the nominee facilitated special funding for recreational facilities or programs. Additional Nominee Criteria - Parks An individual who has exemplified commitment and outstanding service to the area of parks. Discuss the outstanding accomplishments achieved by the nominee in the field of Recreation. Provide a listing of special committee positions held or legislative work performed affecting or contributing to the field of Parks and Recreation. Provide a brief statement on how the nominee has actively supported and positively impacted the efforts of URPA. List the creation of unique events, innovation in the work place or identification of critical needs in recreation. Explain how the nominee facilitated special funding for recreational facilities or programs. the nominee should receive the award for which they have been nominated. Additional Nominee Criteria - Aquatics An individual who has exemplified commitment and outstanding service to the area of aquatics. An individual who characterize parks through their leadership, community outreach, operations and management. An individual who characterize aquatics through their leadership, advocacy, community outreach, supervisory skills, and program development. Creation of unique events, innovation in the work place or identification of critical needs in parks. Author of important research contributing to greater knowledge. Facilitation of special funding for recreational facilities or programs. URPA membership required. Outstanding Professional - Parks Provide a listing of professional awards received or special recognition within the field of Parks. Creation of unique events, innovation in the work place or identification of critical needs in recreation or parks. Author of important research contributing to greater knowledge. Facilitation of special funding for recreational facilities or programs. URPA membership required. Outstanding Professional - Aquatics the individual being nominated. Provide a listing of professional awards received or special recognition within the field of Aquatics. URPA 2016 AWARDS PROGRAM 3
List positions that the nominee has held with any professional organization, committee, or boards. Discuss the outstanding accomplishments achieved by the nominee in the field of Parks. List positions that the nominee has held with any professional organization, committee, or boards. Discuss the outstanding accomplishments achieved by the nominee in the field of Aquatics. List professional articles or research authored by the nominee. Provide a list of professional certifications' and/or licenses presently held by nominee. Provide a brief statement on how the nominee has made substantial and significant contributions to the profession and/or community. Explain how the nominee facilitated special funding for recreational facilities or programs. Additional Nominee Criteria - Academics An individual who has exemplified commitment and outstanding service to the field of parks and recreation. Mentorship of students. Contributions through research and service that have advanced the cause of the parks and recreation movement. Served on a distinct committee (includes Higher Education committees) or done legislative work affecting parks and recreation. Creation of unique events, innovation in the work place or identification of critical needs in recreation or parks. URPA membership required. List professional articles or research authored by the nominee. Provide a list of professional certifications' and/or licenses presently held by nominee. Provide a brief statement on how the nominee has made substantial and significant contributions to the profession and/or community. Explain how the nominee facilitated special funding for recreational facilities or programs. the nominee should receive the award for which they have been nominated. Additional Nominee Criteria - Young Professional The award is designated for a person who has joined the professional ranks within the past seven (7) years and cannot be older than thirtyfive. An individual who has exemplified commitment and outstanding service to parks and recreation and the URPA. An individual has worked full time in the profession or substantial part time work as program coordinator or similar mid-level management position. An individual who has found success in their related field (aquatics, recreation, park maintenance, etc.). URPA membership required. 4 URPA 2016 AWARDS PROGRAM
Outstanding Professional - Academics Provide a listing of professional awards received or special recognition within the field of Education or Parks and Recreation. List positions that the nominee has held with any professional organization, committee, or boards. List contributions through research and service that have advanced the cause of the Parks and Recreation movement. List professional articles or research authored by the nominee. Explain how the nominee facilitated special funding for recreational facilities or programs. Provide a brief statement on how the nominee has been an outstanding mentor for students in the profession. Provide a list of special committee positions held or legislative work performed affecting or contributing to the field of Parks and Recreation. Outstanding Professional - Young Professional the individual being nominated. Provide a listing of professional awards received or special recognition within the field of Parks and Recreation. Provide a brief statement on how the nominee has actively supported and positively impacted the efforts of URPA. Discuss the outstanding accomplishments achieved by the nominee in the field of Parks and Recreation. List professional articles or research authored by the nominee. Provide a list of professional certifications' and/or licenses presently held by nominee. the nominee should receive the award for which they have been nominated. Provide full time positions the nominee has worked in the profession or substantial part time work as program coordinator or in a similar midlevel management position. URPA 2016 AWARDS PROGRAM 5
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT - CRITERIA Criteria - An retired professional who has made significant contributions over the years and has provided outstanding service to the URPA and in the field of parks and/or recreation. One who has outstanding accomplishments in the field of parks and recreation. Lifetime Achievement Provide examples of the nominee's outstanding accomplishments in the field of Parks and Recreation. Discuss the outstanding service rendered to the URPA or the field of Parks and Recreation in general. 6 URPA 2016 AWARDS PROGRAM
OUTSTANDING PROGRAM & ADAPTIVE PROGRAM - CRITERIA Criteria - To recognize and encourage special efforts made by parks and recreation agencies or organizations providing outstanding benefits to a community. Such as, but not limited to: exceptional innovation in program design. A program that provides outstanding service to the agencies community or to URPA. Significant expansion or modification of existing program(s) or significant cost savings. A new or unique services to special populations; such as adaptive programming, etc. Or a response to a critical need in the community. Outstanding Program Provide a complete description of the program being nominated. Describe the extent of the population served by the nominated program. Highlight the exceptional qualities of the program being nominated. If it's an existing program, explained how it has significantly expanded or been modified from the original program. the nominated program should receive the award for which Identify some partners participating in the provision of the nominated program. Describe any aspect of the program that is "innovative" in its approach. Provide an account of how the nominated program has provided substantial cost savings, has been in response to a critical need in the community, or is providing new or unique service to special populations, such as adaptive programming, etc. URPA 2016 AWARDS PROGRAM 7
OUTSTANDING FACILITY - CRITERIA Criteria - To recognize and encourage special efforts made by parks and recreation agencies or organizations providing outstanding benefits to a community. Such as, but not limited to: exceptional innovation in facility design, innovation or architectural features. Significant expansion or modification of existing facilities and/or programs. A new or unique services to special populations; such as adaptive programming, etc. Or a response to a critical need in the community. Outstanding Facility Provide a complete description of the facility being nominated. Identify a exceptional innovation and architectural features incorporated into the development of this facility. Describe all design features that make the facility more sustainable, energy-efficient, or even LEED-certified. Describe any significant and identifiable cost savings associated with this facility. Identify new or unique services that the facility has enabled you to provide as a result of its development. Explain any significant expansion or modification of existing facilities and/or programs. Describe how this facility has significantly the nominee should receive the award for which they have been nominated. addressed critical needs within the community or has provided new or unique service to special populations, such as adaptive programming, etc. 8 URPA 2016 AWARDS PROGRAM
INNOVATION OF THE YEAR - CRITERIA Criteria - Demonstrates outstanding innovation in parks, recreation, recreational therapy, education, research, or something related; to promote the value of the profession, programs, facilities, or a closely related area. Innovation of the Year Discuss how the innovation promotes or enhances the value of the profession, the program it is associated with, or the specific facility that the achievement is a part of. Explain what makes the nominee "innovative" by nature. URPA 2016 AWARDS PROGRAM 9
OUTSTANDING CITIZEN ADVOCATE / VOLUNTEER - CRITERIA Criteria - An individual or organization whose voluntary contributions of time and effort over a period of years have improved the quality and quantity of leisure opportunities through parks, recreation, conservation programs, projects in communities and neighborhoods, the state of Utah, or the nation. Additional Nominee Criteria - Outstanding Citizen Advocate / Volunteer Outstanding volunteer services to the field. Preparing and/or sponsoring legislation. Active support of the URPA and the NRPA at the state, regional, or national level. Outstanding Citizen Advocate / Volunteer Success in raising funds or contributing funds, services, land, equipment, etc. which affects the total field. Explained how the nominee has supported the URPA or one of its member agencies. Briefly highlight any involvement that the nominee may have had regarding the preparation and/or sponsoring of legislation pertaining to the field of Parks and Recreation. Provide an explanation of the volunteer services contributed by the nominee. Highlight the nominee's success in raising or donating funds, services, land, equipment, or other valuable contributions that have improved the quality and quantity of leisure services provided in a community, the state of Utah, or the nation. 10 URPA 2016 AWARDS PROGRAM
OUTSTANDING DEPARTMENT - CRITERIA Criteria - Encourages and recognizes excellence in the promotion and provision of facilities and/or programs in the field of parks and/or recreation. Nominee should demonstrates the collective effort of the department including programs, staff, resources, etc. Models excellence and serves as an exemplary department and standard of excellence. And has been awarded a local, state, or national award or certification as a department. Outstanding Department - Class I (population under 15,000) Provide a complete description of the department being nominated. Describe funding sources available to the department for the provision of services it is responsible for. Explain how the achievements of the nominee demonstrated the collective efforts of the department's staff, resources, and programs. List any local, state, or national awards or certifications as a department. Identify a innovation(s) or strategic change(s) that have had a significant and positive impact upon the department. Describe how the department models excellence in the promotion and provision of parks and recreation programs & facilities within the community. Outstanding Department - Class II (population between 15,000 to 50,000) Provide a complete description of the department being nominated. Describe funding sources available to the department for the provision of services it is responsible for. Explain how the achievements of the nominee demonstrated the collective efforts of the department's staff, resources, and programs. List any local, state, or national awards or certifications as a department. Identify a innovation(s) or strategic change(s) that have had a significant and positive impact upon the department. Describe how the department models excellence in the promotion and provision of parks and recreation programs & facilities within the community. URPA 2016 AWARDS PROGRAM 11
Outstanding Department - Class III (population over 50,000) Provide a complete description of the department being nominated. Describe funding sources available to the department for the provision of services it is responsible for. Explain how the achievements of the nominee demonstrated the collective efforts of the department's staff, resources, and programs. List any local, state, or national awards or certifications as a department. Identify a innovation(s) or strategic change(s) that have had a significant and positive impact upon the department. Describe how the department models excellence in the promotion and provision of parks and recreation programs & facilities within the community. 12 URPA 2016 AWARDS PROGRAM
VENDOR / SPONSOR OF THE YEAR - CRITERIA Criteria - A vendor or sponsor who has made substantial and significant contributions to the URPA. Additional Nominee Criteria - Vendor / Sponsor of the Year Provided outstanding service or financial Has consistently shown a strong commitment assistance to the URPA. and support to the URPA. Has been a sponsor or vendor for URPA and/or one of its events or activities associated with the Association. Contributed donations, services, land, equipment, etc. to the URPA or has enhanced the quality of life within the community, county or state. Vendor / Sponsor of the Year Provide information on how the nominee has been a sponsor or vendor for URPA and/or one of its events or activities associated with the Association. Briefly describe how the nominee has consistently shown a strong commitment and support to the URPA. Provide a brief statement on how the nominee has actively supported and positively impacted the efforts of URPA. Provide examples of contributed donations, services, land, equipment, etc. to the URPA or has enhanced the quality of life within the community, county or state. the nominee should receive the award for which they have been nominated. URPA 2016 AWARDS PROGRAM 13
GREAT WESTERN PARK & PLAYGROUND; STEVE & GEORGIA CARPENTER; FRED & JUDY TAMAGAWA PROFESSIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS - CRITERIA Criteria - Provides financial assistance to worthy candidates who would benefit from financial assistance in obtaining training on a local, state, or national level. Additional Nominee Criteria - Professional Scholarships Currently a working professional in the field of parks and recreation. Does not routinely attend national seminars, NRPA Congress, or other training and professional opportunities. Professional Scholarships Is a current URPA member and participates in their region. Candidate can be employed by an agency or organization which is a member of the URPA. Describe the responsibilities of the nominee that often prohibits the nominee from being able to routinely attend training and professional enhancement opportunities. Is the nominee a current URPA member and participates in their region? If so, give examples of what constitutes their involvement. the nominee should receive the award for which they have been nominated. State how the nominee would benefit from the financial assistance received through this scholarship in obtaining training on a local, state, or national level. 14 URPA 2016 AWARDS PROGRAM