The Corporate Partner of Excellence Award celebrates a vendor or company that has made substantial contributions to the parks and recreation field and cultivated a strong, collaborative partnership with the Indiana Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) and/or IPRA members. This award recognizes a corporate entity that has demonstrated exceptional leadership and support for the parks and recreation sector through the provision of equipment, volunteer time, in-kind services, financial resources, or other significant contributions to a project or program that demonstrably benefits the community and underscores the vital role of parks and recreation. Recipients of this award can reapply after 3 years. 

Evaluation criteria -  

• Significance of Contribution to the Field 

• Demonstrated Leadership and Support 

• Benefit to the Community 

• Demonstration of the Importance of Parks & Recreation 

The Elected Official of the Year Award honors an individual in an elected office who has demonstrated exceptional and impactful support for the parks and recreation field. This recognition celebrates an official who has made significant contributions through active participation in initiatives, consistent and effective advocacy, dedicated efforts to secure funding, or the championing of impactful policies and legislation. Nominees may serve at the local, county, regional, state, or federal level of government. Recipients of this award can reapply after 3 years. 

Evaluation criteria -  

• Impactful Contributions to Parks & Recreation 

• Active Participation 

• Effective Advocacy 

• Level of Government Impact 

• Community Benefit 

The Young Professional Award recognizes a promising individual currently working in the parks and recreation field who demonstrates the qualities of a rising leader through their proactive initiative, innovative approaches, and meaningful contributions to the profession. Nominees should show a clear trajectory of career advancement and have provided outstanding service to their agency. Candidates must be current members of the Indiana Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) and be 35 years of age or younger. Nominees can only win once. 

Evaluation criteria -  

• IPRA Member 

• 35 years or younger 

• Record of Career Advancement 

• Demonstrated Initiative and Innovation 

• Service to Agency 

• Contributions to Parks & Recreation Field 

The Distinguished Citizen Award honors an outstanding citizen, dedicated community park board member, or exceptional volunteer who has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to enhancing and supporting parks and recreation within their local community and/or the state of Indiana. Nominees may be recognized for their long-standing record of cumulative service or for their remarkable efforts and impact related to a specific, significant project or activity. Recipients of this award can reapply after 3 years. 

Evaluation criteria -  

• Impact on Enhancing Parks & Recreation 

• Level of Support for Parks & Recreation 

• Initiative and Dedication 

• Community Benefit 

The Outstanding Parks Professional Award recognizes an individual who has made a truly exceptional impact on the field of parks and recreation. This award celebrates professionals who have a distinguished record of significant and notable contributions to the park profession, including impactful work in conservation, demonstrated leadership and effective advocacy, outstanding service to their agency/s, and a proven ability to provide professional guidance and inspiration to others. Nominees must be current members of the Indiana Park and Recreation Association (IPRA). Recipients of this award can reapply after 5 years. 

Evaluation criteria -  

• IPRA Member 

• Contributions to Parks & Recreation Field 

• Demonstrated Leadership and Advocacy 

• Remarkable Service to Agency 

• Professional Guidance and Inspiration 

The Outstanding Agency Awards recognize exceptional Indiana Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) member agencies grouped by operating budget into 3 categories representing small, medium and large agencies.  This award celebrates agencies that demonstrate outstanding involvement and make significant contributions to the parks and recreation field, actively working to enhance the quality of life for both their local community and the state of Indiana. Recipients of this award can reapply after 5 years. 

Evaluation criteria -  

• Involvement in Parks and Recreation Field 

• Significant Contributions to the Field 

• Improvement of Community Quality of Life 

• Examples for Community and State 

Data required in the application includes: 

• Operating Budget for current fiscal year 

• Total number of full-time employees 

• Total number of part-time and seasonal employees (at peak over past 12 months) 

• Population of jurisdiction served based on U.S. Census Quick Facts (https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/), Population estimates, July 1, 2024, (V2024). If the population under 5,000, provide best available estimate from your sources. 

The Distinguished IPRA Life Member Award honors an exemplary parks and recreation professional who has profoundly shaped their community and championed the parks and recreation movement throughout Indiana. This prestigious recognition celebrates an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership through impactful community outreach, served as a significant source of inspiration, and made noteworthy contributions to the field. Nominees must have a minimum of 20 years of dedicated involvement with the Indiana Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) and have served at least 5 years in a formal IPRA leadership role (e.g., committee/sub-committee member, board member, foundation member). Recipients will be granted a lifetime membership with IPRA as a testament to their enduring impact. Nominees can only win once. 

Evaluation criteria -  

• 20 years of dedicated involvement 

• 5 years in an IPRA leadership role 

• Community Impact 

• Supporting Parks & Recreation Initiatives 

• Contributions to Parks & Recreation Field 

• Inspiration to Others 

This award recognizes a groundbreaking program within the parks and recreation sector that was new to the department in the previous year. The program must demonstrate originality, creativity, and a fresh approach to meeting the needs of the community. It should highlight new ideas, methods, or technologies that have significantly improved recreational experiences, community engagement, or environmental sustainability. The program should also showcase its measurable impact and potential for long-term success, serving as a model for other parks and recreation initiatives. 

3 Award Categories are based on the overall budget of the new program, with one award per category.  

• $5,000 or less  

• $5,001 to $10,000 

• Greater than $10,000 

This award honors a creative event that is a preexisting event that has been revitalized or enhanced in the previous year. It recognizes innovative thinking in transforming or elevating traditional events, bringing new energy, unique themes, or fresh formats to the event. Whether through creative partnerships, engaging community involvement, or imaginative programming, the event should have a notable impact on participation, enjoyment, and overall experience. The award celebrates efforts that breathe new life into established events, making them more inclusive, dynamic, and memorable for the community. 

3 Award Categories are based on the overall budget of the event, with one award per category.  

• $5,000 or less  

• $5,001 to $10,000 

• Greater than $10,000 

This award recognizes a program or event within parks and recreation that fosters inclusivity, ensuring that all community members, regardless of background, ability, or circumstance, have the opportunity to participate and thrive. The program or event should focus on breaking down barriers to participation, whether through adaptive programming, outreach efforts, or creating spaces that celebrate diversity. It highlights initiatives that actively promote accessibility, equity, and a sense of belonging for underrepresented or marginalized groups, ensuring that parks and recreation opportunities are available to everyone in the community. 

2 Categories with one award per category are: 

• Youth oriented program for ages 16 and younger  

• Programming for all ages 

The Excellence in Resource Improvement Award recognizes an agency or park team for its exceptional management in overcoming a challenge for an existing park, trail, natural area, recreation, and/or aquatic facility asset within the past five years. Nominees should demonstrate a record of improvement through quality maintenance and operations, efforts to retain and enhance the resource over time, creative problem-solving in the areas of budget, staffing, physical and/or environmental constraints, and/or introduction of new programs or activities that ensure continued use and optimization of the asset. 

The Clark Ketchum Conservation Award recognizes a park and recreation agency that has achieved excellence in conservation stewardship.

Honoring parks that have stood the test of time and continue to enrich their communities. 
 

Eligible Projects: Parks or facilities that are at least 20 years old and demonstrate ongoing relevance, usage, and value. 
 

Selection Criteria: 
 

• Demonstrated long-term impact on the community (economic, environmental, cultural, or social) 

• Enduring quality and resilience of the design 

• Continued high level of use, stewardship, or relevance 

• Measurable benefits (e.g., property values, ecological health, tourism, public health) 

• Compelling narrative or data that tells the story of the park’s evolution and success 

• Influence or inspiration for other park projects 

Recognizing visionary plans that pave the way for future parks and public spaces. 
 

Eligible Projects: Park-specific master plans, trail or greenway plans, and facility plans (excluding general 5-Year Plans), completed within the past 2 years. 
 

Selection Criteria: 
 

• Depth and creativity of community engagement process 

• Innovation in design strategies and concepts 

• Quality of visual and written communication 

• Integration of sustainability, equity, or public health goals 

• Alignment with broader community values and vision 

• Implementation feasibility and clarity of phasing or funding strategies 

The IPRA Parks, Facilities & Planning

Built Works Design Award – Under $2 Million
Recognizing creative, impactful park and facility projects with limited budgets.

Eligible Projects: Built parks, site improvements, or facilities with a total construction budget under $2 million, completed within the past 2 years. 

Selection Criteria:

• Creative use of materials and construction techniques 

• Innovation within a modest budget 

• Responsiveness to a specific community need 

• Sustainability and ecological sensitivity 

• Inclusive and accessible design 

• Promotion of community health and cohesion 

• Overall design quality and execution 

Celebrating large-scale investments that elevate community life through design.

Eligible Projects: Parks, facilities, or other public space projects over $2 million in construction cost, completed within the past 2 years. 

Selection Criteria:

• Excellence in landscape or architectural design 

• Innovation in site programming and functionality 

• Impact on the physical, cultural, or environmental landscape 

• Quality of construction and materials 

• Engagement with diverse community needs and users 

• Integration of art, sustainability, or play 

• Long-term relevance and stewardship potential