WRPA Professional Awards: The Impact and Influence Award

As the highest recognition bestowed by WRPA to an individual, the Impact and Influence Award recognizes an individual’s dedication and achievement in the field of parks and recreation.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Minimum of 10 years of service as a parks and recreation professional
  • Minimum of 10 years as a WRPA member (Agency memberships include staff at all levels)

Evaluation Criteria

Nominated individuals should demonstrate a consistent commitment to the field of parks and recreation, service to their community and assist in furthering the goals of WRPA. In addition, they have made contributions in at least four of the following areas:

  • Broad range of parks and recreation experiences, including progressive levels of responsibility
  • Committee work related to parks and recreation over a two-year period with local, state or national organizations
  • Served as a speaker at conferences, webinars, network meetings or other such gatherings to promote parks and recreation
  • Contributed content for industry e-newsletters, blogs, and web pages that advance in the interest and values of parks and recreation
  • Initiated or implemented recommendations that promotes and advances the value of the parks and recreation profession
  • Significantly contributed to WRPA in ways that have affected the philosophy and practices of the organization
  • Repeatedly accepted and eagerly welcomed leadership opportunities within WRPA

Nomination Process

  • Complete the online nomination form, where you will be asked to provide the following information:
    • Contact information for nomination
    • Nominee’s name, title, organization, years they have been active in parks and recreation, and if they are a WRPA member
    • A brief overview of the nominee’s contributions to the field of parks and recreation
    • A brief overview of the nominee’s contributions to their community
    • Information on how the nominee has furthered the goals of WRPA

  • Upload the following items to the WRPA office group drive link found in your confirmation email:
    • Nominee’s resume and/or a brief employment/volunteer history and a list of key professional accomplishments. Be sure to name your files with 'First name.Last Name.Impact.Influence - Resume'
    • Two letters of recommendation. Be sure to name your files with 'First name.Last Name.Impact.Influence - LOR'

  • In your confirmation email, you will receive a link to upload a maximum of three photos or graphics to the WRPA office for the award category you are applying for. Be sure to name your files with 'First name.Last Name.Impact.Influence - Photo'

  • Video footage is highly encouraged. In your confirmation email, you will receive a link to upload a maximum of one video to the WRPA office for the award category you are applying for to be no more than 2-min. Be sure to name your files with 'First name.Last Name.Impact.Influence - Video'
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