December 2018 - Parks & Recreation - 69

Get Recognition with an NRPA Award

etting an award is not only a validation of the great work you
do but also can be used to show decision makers and policymakers the intrinsic value of what you do. Starting January 7, 2019,
NRPA will begin accepting applications for the 2019 Awards Program, and
there are several opportunities to choose from:
* The National Gold Medal Award
Program (presented by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration in partnership with NRPA), honors agencies
nationwide that demonstrate excellence in long-range planning,
resource management and innovative approaches to delivering superb park and recreation services.
* The NRPA Innovation Awards
recognize the latest advancements in the field, showcasing
the inspiring park and recreation
agencies that have improved and
empowered their communities
through innovative practices in
park design, health and wellness,
conservation and social equity.

* The NRPA Spotlight Awards,
presented to individuals, including
park and recreation professionals,
volunteers, engaged community
members and park advocates. The
awards honor the professional
and personal efforts in the field of
parks and recreation.
* NRPA Scholarships and Fellowships recipients can attend and
explore the operation of the field
at the NRPA Annual Conference,
where they develop professional contacts with leadership and
members from around the country. They receive complimentary
NRPA Annual Conference registration, a travel stipend and hotel
expenses reimbursed.

Take a [First Day] Hike!

anuary 1, 2019, will mark
the 27th year anniversary of
the First Day Hike initiative,
which started in Massachusetts to
get more people out in parks and
enjoying nature at a time of the
year not typically associated with
outdoor recreation.
Last year, nearly 55,000 people
rang in the New Year, collectively
hiking more than 133,000 miles
throughout the country on the
guided hikes led by knowledgeable
state park staff and volunteers.
Many others hiked state park trails
throughout the day.
According to the National As-

sociation of State Park Directors
(NASPD), which began administering the program in 2012, " the
distance and rigor vary from park
to park, but all hikes aim to create
a fun experience for the whole family. People are invited to savor the
beauty of the state park's natural
resources with the comfort of an
experienced guide so they may be
inspired to take advantage of these
local treasures throughout the year. "
From California to Maine, hikers can experience a variety of outdoor recreation activities, including
mountain and hill climbing, kayaking, walks along lakes and beach-

* The Robert W. Crawford Recreation and Park Hall of Fame
award honors individuals who
have worked to improve the quality of life in America through
parks and recreation and serve
as examples for future leaders
in continuing the recreation and
park movement.
Each award has specific eligibility criteria, and all applicants must
be current NRPA members. Visit
www.nrpa.org/our-work/awards/
for details about each award.

es, exploration of trails through
great forests, wildlife expeditions,
bird-watching and much more,
while improving their overall mental and physical health and wellness.
Visit www.stateparks.org/initia
tives-special-programs/first-dayhikes/ and check out the
map to see where a
hike may be scheduled near you or
contact info@state
parks.org to find
out about organizing/promoting
your own First Day
Hike and go take a
hike on New
Year's Day!

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Parks & Recreation

December 2018 - Parks & Recreation

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