Created to recognize any individual or organization that has made extraordinary contributions to the recreation, park, golf or conservation movement in Connecticut. The parks and recreation profession owes its existence and growth to the vision and dedication of individuals who have worked to improve the quality of life in Connecticut.

This is the most prestigious award that CRPA offers. To receive the Distinguished Service Award, the nominee shall be a CRPA member and an individual who has made outstanding contributions, over a significant number of years, to the recreation and/or parks field. Such contributions might be for outstanding leadership, committee work on a state or national level, outstanding service as a professional worker, research, promoting the profession, and/or outstanding development of equipment, layout or design.

To receive the Outstanding Professional Award, the nominee shall be a CRPA member who has made outstanding contributions, over a period of 10 years or more, to the recreation and/or parks field.

Nominee must be a member of CRPA who has served 10 years or less and is deserving of recognition for achievements and accomplishments in the parks and recreation profession. Winner of this award shall receive $1,000 to be used for continuing education purposes (i.e. quarterlies, conferences, training institutes, etc).

To receive the Park Maintenance Professional Award, the nominee shall be from a CRPA member department or organization who demonstrates a commitment to the profession, implements innovative or cost-effective ideas, cultivates a positive work environment, and who has been in the recreation and/or parks field in Connecticut for a period of 5 years or more.

An organization’s success and excellence are rarely attributed to the efforts of any one individual. However, when an individual has made a significant and meaningful impact on their work place or community, special recognition is called for. The “Hidden Hero Award” recognizes and celebrates that incredible contribution as well as their outstanding dedication to CRPA, its members, and the State of Connecticut. These Heroes have instilled confidence in a supportive and positive way and selflessly taken on multiple responsibilities beyond what is expected by showing innovation and adaptability in solving problems and creating solutions. This award will be presented periodically to an individual who has done extraordinary work to improve a CRPA event, program, or initiative and is deserving of special recognition which may otherwise not be commended through CRPA’s traditional awards categories.

This award will be given to a department that has developed or renovated an exceptional facility within the last 2 years. The director of the department/organization must be a current CRPA member.

This award will be given to a department that has developed an outstanding ongoing program that is innovative, creative, and unique in nature or that demonstrates a new twist on an old theme while still being consistent with current trends. This program must enrich a group, community, or individual and is characterized as an organized recreation or leisure activity that is offered either on a daily, weekly, seasonal, or annual basis. The program must be in existence for a minimum of two (2) years and the Director of the department/organization must be a member of CRPA in good standing.

This award will be given to a department that has developed an outstanding, ongoing inclusive or adaptive program which demonstrates a conscious effort to service people of all needs and abilities. This program must be offered either on a daily, weekly, seasonal, or annual basis. The program must be in existence for a minimum of two (2) years and the Director of the department/organization must be a member of CRPA in good standing.

The organization should have made an outstanding voluntary contribution to the field of public recreation and parks, significant enough to have had a stimulating effect on recreation at a town, city, state, or national level. This award may be awarded to a commercial and/or a nonprofit entity. Membership in CRPA is not required.

The individual should have gone “Above and Beyond the Call of Duty” by having made an outstanding contribution to the field of public recreation and parks, significant enough to have had a stimulating effect on recreation at a town, city, state, or national level. This award is open to part-time/seasonal park or secretarial staff. This award is not intended for full time Parks & Recreation Professionals. Membership in CRPA is not required.

The individual should be a volunteer who has made an outstanding contribution to the field of public recreation and parks, significant enough to have had a stimulating effect on recreation at a town, city, state or national level. Membership in CRPA is not required.

The Nominee shall be an individual elected or appointed to public office, at any level of government, who has provided unselfish service for at least three (3)years in the interest of parks, recreation, conservation, and/or community services. Membership in CRPA is not required.

The Connecticut Recreation and Parks Association has established the Dorothy Mullen and George Sanford CRPA Scholarships to provide assistance to students majoring in recreation and/or park education. Dorothy G. Mullen/CRPA Scholarship $500 George Sanford/CRPA Scholarship $500