TN Parks and Recreation Announces Award Winners at Conference
KINGSPORT – The Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association (TRPA) announces the recipients of the associations 2015 Awards Program. The outstanding achievements of these individuals, communities and organizations were acknowledged during the associations 64th Annual Conference in Kingsport, Tennessee at the Meadowview Conference, Resort and Convention Center.
The Distinguished Young Professional Award was presented to AJ Fox of Manchester for his outstanding service to the Parks and Recreation profession and his community.
The Fellow Award is the highest award the association can confer on an individual and recognizes professional members who have made outstanding contributions to the recreation field throughout their career. This years recipient is Doug Bataille of Knox County.
The Lifetime Member Award honors and recognizes individuals who have made numerous and/or significant long-term contributions within the parks and Recreation Profession. This prestigious award can be given to more than one nominee per year. TRPA recognized three outstanding members this year: Tom Sage and Deborah Paschall of Murfreesboro and Lisa Piefer of Germantown.
The Four Star Awards include awards given in 6 categories to recognize excellence in Programming, Marketing, and Renovated and New Facility Design; as well as Individual Service and Benefactor Awards for community partners.
Four Star Program Awards
Aquatics-Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation for Puppy Plunge
Arts-Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation for One Act Fest
Athletics-Maryville-Alcoa-Blount County Parks & Recreation Commission for Inspire 18 Football Camp featuring Randall Cobb
Community Center-Kingsport Parks & Recreation for Easter Egg Roll
Conservation/Outdoor Recreation-Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation for Trail Worms
Festival Special Events-Tennessee State Parks for Bell Ringer 25K/50K at Montgomery Bell State Park
Health & Wellness-Tennessee State Parks for Healthy Park Healthy Person
Four Star Marketing Awards
Campaign-Knoxville Parks & Recreation for Tennessee River Tour
Digital- Knoxville Parks & Recreation for Google Trekker – Knoxville Regional Trails & Greenways
Print-Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation for Annual Report
Four Star Renovated Facility Awards
Budget under $100,000 or less- Knoxville Parks & Recreation for West Hill Pickleball Courts
Budget over $1,000,000 – Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation Sports*Com
Four Star New Facility Awards
Budget of up to $250,000-Clarksville Parks & Recreation for Heritage Park Greenway Connection Amphitheater
Budget $250,000-1,000,000-Manchester Parks & Recreation for Little Duck Greenway Extension
Budget $1,000,001-$5,000,000-Tullahoma Parks & Recreation for Splash Island
Budget over $5,000,000 – Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation for Adams Tennis Complex
Four Star Benefactor Awards
Dicks Sporting Goods-nominated by Maryville-Alcoa-Blount County Parks and Recreation
Four Star Individual Service Awards
Warren Young, Bartlett-nominated by Bartlett Parks and Recreation
Zellie Earnest, Kingsport-nominated by Kingsport Parks & Recreation
Roy Arthur, Knox County-nominated by Knox County Parks and Recreation
Gloria Bonner, Murfreesboro – nominated by Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation
Rusty Reed, Shelbyville – nominated by Shelbyville Parks & Recreation
Lane Curlee, Mayor, Tullahoma – nominated by Tullahoma Parks & Recreation
Branch & Section Awards
The Longfellow Award is presented by the Aquatics and Wellness Branch each year to an individual for outstanding programming or accomplishments in Aquatics. The 2015 recipient is Vonda Wooten of Manchester Parks and Recreation.
The Workplace Wellness Award is presented by the Aquatics and Wellness Branch each year to an individual who focuses on physical activity, fitness and wellness programs, policies, and activities at the worksite to heighten employee productivity, motivation, and general well-being. The 2015 recipient is Chad Hill of Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation.
The Community Wellness Award is presented by the Aquatics and Wellness Branch each year to an individual who focuses on promoting health and wellness for citizens of the community through such avenues as community outreach, community special events, programs, and individual service opportunities. The 2015 recipient is Jennifer Joines of Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation.
The Child Wellness Award is presented by the Aquatics and Wellness Branch each year to an individual who focuses on building life-long wellness skills such as increased physical activity, healthy eating, and positive health habits through programs and activities. The 2015 recipient is Victoria McDaniel of Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation.
The Dennis Rainier Award is presented by the Athletics Branch each year to an individual to recognize personnel who have demonstrated excellence in athletic planning and programming. The 2015 recipient is Gary Arbit of Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation.
The Donald H Stanton Award is presented by the Ethnic Minority Section to the individual determined to have the best overall Community Center programs. The 2015 recipient is Tom Sage of Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation.
The Wayne Hansard Award is presented by the Municipal County Section and recognizes the personnel who have demonstrated Excellence in the Maintenance of Parks, Facilities, and/or Grounds. The 2015 recipient is Bo Maharrey of Bartlett Parks and Recreation.
The Robert Horsley Award is presented by the Municipal County Section and recognizes community center personnel, who have planned, conducted or was responsible for the Most Outstanding Community Center Program during the year. The 2015 recipient is Pam Williams of Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation
The Maynard Glenn Award is presented by the Municipal County Section and recognizes personnel or specialists who have planned, conducted or were responsible for the Most Outstanding Recreation Program of the year. The 2015 recipient is Rachel Singer of Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation.
Award of Excellence – is presented by the Resource Management Branch to one individual that has demonstrated outstanding achievement in the field of Resource Management. The 2015 recipient is Melinda Tate of Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation.
The Arts Award is presented by the Special Events, Arts and Marketing Branch to an individual that has demonstrated innovation and creativity and to inspire others to develop similar programs. The 2015 recipient is Heather Waldrup of Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation.
The Marketing Award is presented by the Special Events, Arts and Marketing Branch to an individual that has demonstrated innovation and creativity and to inspire others to develop similar programs. The 2015 recipient is Pam Williams of Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation.
The Special Events Award is presented by the Special Events, Arts and Marketing branch to an individual that has demonstrated innovation and creativity and to inspire others to develop similar programs. The 2015 recipient is Shelia Hodges of Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation.
Presidents Cup
The Presidents Cup Award recognizes member agencies that have provided exemplary service to TRPA though attendance at state conferences and workshops, membership, staff writing for publications or serving on boards and committees.
Category I (Population 100,000 and over) Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation
Category II (Population 40,000-99,999) Kingsport Parks & Recreation
Category V (Population 5,000-9,999) Pigeon Forge Parks and Recreation
Category VII (Other-military, TVA, state, churches, non-profits) Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation
