The NRPA Innovation Awards recognize and honor the latest advancements in the field of parks and recreation. These awards showcase the inspiring park and recreation agencies that have improved and empowered their communities through innovative practices in park design, health and wellness, conservation, and equity.
The nomination period for the 2024 NRPA Innovation Awards was January 5 - March 29. 2024 Winners (listed below) will be recognized at the Best of the Best Ceremony at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.
Get A Reminder about the 2025 Nomination Period
Learn more about 2023 Innovation Award winners in the 2023 Innovation Guide.
Want to learn how to create an engaging application? Check out this video: Taking the Mystery Out of the NRPA Awards Process
Innovation in Health Award
This award recognizes a park and recreation agency leading an innovative project that fosters a culture of health in their community.
Who should apply: Agencies that have to lead an initiative that has addressed a critical health need for their community such as getting residents more active, improving access to healthy food, or implementing policies that encourage healthy behavior. If you have made a difference in the health of your community, you should apply!
2024 Winner: SwimSmart Initiative, Waukegan Park District, Waukegan, Illinois
Innovation in Conservation Award
This award recognizes a park and recreation agency leading an innovative project that creates localized solutions for addressing global or regional environmental challenges.
Who should apply: Agencies that have addressed a critical environmental need in their community and have helped educate residents along the way. A critical need could be anything from habitat preservation, green infrastructure, innovative nature programs, water restoration projects and much, much more. All innovative ideas need to apply!
2024 Winner: Ford Fair Lane Estate Fishway, Wayne County Parks & Recreation, Westland, Michigan
Innovation in Equity Award
This award recognizes a park and recreation agency leading an innovative project that improves access to the benefits of local parks and recreation for everyone in the community, no matter the color of their skin, age, income level or ability.
Who should apply: Agencies that have found an innovative way to improve access for all to a great park through things such as creative programming, community outreach and more. The sky’s the limit!
2024 Winner: Signs of Belonging, Ramsey County Parks & Recreation, Maplewood, Minnesota
Innovation in Park Design Award
This award recognizes a park and recreation agency that manages a unique park or facility that embraces innovative technology, strategies or programs to improve their community.
Who should apply: Agencies that have designed a great park tailored to their community’s needs and dreams. If your project showcases an innovative process or outcome, you should apply!
2024 Winner: Glass City Metropark, Metroparks Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
NRPA Best in Innovation Award
This award recognizes the best of the best in park and recreation innovation. One of the four innovation categorical award winners will receive the Best in Innovation Award as determined by the NRPA Awards and Scholarship Committee. The Best in Innovation Award is announced and presented at the NRPA Annual Conference.
2024 Winner: To Be Announced at the Best of the Best Ceremony at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia
