Administration & Management Excellence
City of League City’s Adaptive Program Initiative
The mission of the League City Parks and Recreation Department is to provide a diverse menu of quality recreation programs that address citizen needs, encourage community health and wellness, and promote a lifelong recreational lifestyle. In the past year, City staff have partnered with several local organizations and engaged the community to expand programming to the adaptive demographic. Today there is a supportive network that serves hundreds of families and individuals with disabilities on a year-round basis.
Excellence in Planning
The City of Lewisville and the University of North Texas for the Lewisville Healthy Infrastructure Plan with Designer: Halff
Featuring a unique partnership between the City, Halff and UNT’s Applied Environmental Research Institute, The Lewisville Healthy Infrastructure Plan, also called Explore More Lewisville envisions a Lewisville with many healthy opportunities to play, explore and connect. This plan emphasizes the importance and need for “healthy infrastructure,” which represents physical infrastructure, such as recreational facilities and trails, and natural spaces like parks and open space, that enhance quality of life and improve the overall health of residents.
The plan will guide the development of parks, recreation, trails, open space and urban tree canopy in Lewisville over the next 10 to 20 years.
Maintenance Achievement
City of Lewisville for their “Lewisville Pollinative Median Conversions”
Lewisville staff partnered with various other organizations to establish best practices for a conversion process to address the increasing costs and natural resource issues. The City of Lewisville converted medians to native plants and pollinators, which require less water and maintenance, resulting in significant cost savings and environmental benefits. The project began with a 19-acre median stretch and is estimated to save $27,397 annually in mowing costs.
Park Design Excellence
Travis County Park’s Southeast Metropolitan All-Abilities Playground with Designer Hitchcock Design Group
The all-abilities mosasaur themed playground at Southeast Metropolitan Park allows for local groups to access and provide a resource for citizens of all abilities to participate in outdoor recreation. The playground theme represents pre-historic times when the area was a shallow sea teeming with aquatic creatures from the Late Cretaceous period. In the 1930’s, the bones of a mosasaur, a thirty-foot marine reptile was discovered in Onion Creek next to the park, now the central focus of the playground is a life-size play feature representing the mosasaur.
Dan Whitworth Fellow
Stacie Anaya
In addition to her service to TRAPS, Stacie has served in leadership roles for the Texas Municipal League, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department State Park Advisory Committee, and other regional and local organizations. On a national level, Stacie is a Commission for Accreditation of Parks & Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) Visitor and serves on the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and Mentoring Committee Member with the American Academy of Park and Recreation Administration. In 2023, Stacie played an instrumental role in the planning and implementation of the NRPA Conference in Dallas. Stacie has made it a priority to dedicate an enormous amount of time and energy into shaping the fields of parks and recreation into what it is today and what it will become in the future.
This year’s recipient is the epitome of a dedicated parks and recreation professional, serving as a mentor and role model to many. She has passionately served TRAPS as a volunteer, speaker, President, and in too many other ways to list. She has dedicated her life and career to the profession by leading her agencies of Austin, Eagle Pass, Corpus Christi, and Lewisville.
Individual Outstanding Service
Carlos Gandia, nominated by the City of Elgin
Carlos Gandia advocates for park funding, park programming and community involvement. He encourages Elgin’s youth to get involved in the park development process and has gathered a group of engaged teens and families who are working towards the development of a permanent skate park. He’s served on the Parks Advisory Board and is a member of the Friends of Elgin Parks. Carlos has volunteered 100s of hours annually and aided in creating one of the Elgin Recreation Center’s most popular programs: Skate Night!
Recreation Facility Design Excellence
City of Farmers Branch – “The Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center Renovation Project”
Designer: Quorum Architects
The Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center is a 60,000 square foot facility that opened in January 2004 and gone without significant updates for years. A comprehensive facility renovation focused on two full-size basketball courts that were underutilized, a congested small space upstairs for cardio, strength equipment, and weight room, and an overcrowded childcare room. Feedback regarding desired changes was collected through Listen360 from patrons where staff learned the fitness area and childcare space were the two most crucial areas needing to be addressed. Today updated equipment in an expanded fitness area; an expanded childcare area and an update and equipment replacement in locker rooms and restrooms represents the successful revitalization of these essential spaces to better serve the community’s needs and desires.
Organizational/
Volunteer Service Award
The Allen Heritage Guild – Nominated by the City of Allen
The Allen Heritage Guild is a volunteer organization that works with Allen Parks and Recreation to preserve Allen history, as well as manage and activate Allen Heritage Village, a heritage park. The Guild curates the Allen Train Depot Museum, assists with placing historical markers throughout the city, and hosts various cultural events throughout the year.
The Guild’s objectives are to enhance community spirit by providing services and implementing projects that create a distinct sense of place and history in Allen, as well as to assure tomorrow’s heritage by recording past, recent, and current milestones. This not only deepens the community’s understanding of the past but also invites residents and visitors to engage with Allen’s heritage.
Park Development Innovations
City of New Braunfels – Landa Park Aquatic Complex – Biofiltration System
The Landa Park Aquatic Complex parking lot got a major upgrade thanks to the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Program, the City of New Braunfels TCI Department and the City of New Braunfels Public Works Department (Watershed Management Division). The renovation project was a complete replacement of the existing parking lot that included a brand new bioswale and drainage structure that ensures no pollutants or sediment end up flowing into the Comal River.
Arts & Humanities
Class I
City of San Antonio for “Viva Los Tots”
Viva Los Tots was designed as a family-friendly event for all during the City’s Fiedst holiday where the belief is “Everyone Wins when Families (Truly) Play”! All ages were encouraged to use social and emotional skills to express themselves. Play materials were provided, however it was up to the participant to decide how to use them.
Class II
City of Frisco for “Woven Together”
The Woven Together exhibit focused on South Asian cultural fabrics and materials known for its intricate and vibrant handwoven textiles, particularly found in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. The goal was to highlight how the City’s population has evolved over the last 121 years and serves to bring the South Asian culture into the museum to ensure they feel welcome and represented.
Class III
City of Mansfield for “Read and Grow Book Reading”
When a former parks & rec kid returned home after a successful NFL career and asked for the opportunity to read his new children’s book at the recreation center near and dear to his childhood memories, Mansfield staff jumped at the chance to not just honor the request, but make it a remarkable experience for both him and the parks & rec kids of tomorrow!
Class IV
Wells Branch Municipal Utility District for “Cosmic Conservation”
Using 100% recycled, reused, and repurposed materials, the District created an outer space-themed trunk-or-treat exhibit called “Cosmic Conservation.” The exhibit’s goal was to foster an appreciation for sustainability and the arts while entertaining over a thousand community members of all ages.
Promotional & Marketing Excellence
Class II
City of McKinney for The Apex Centre’s “DARE” Marketing Campaign
Harnessing the playful concept of Truth or Dare, residents were encouraged to “DARE to start their wellness journey.” The campaign’s creative wordplay, inspiring messaging, and its profound emotional impact on individuals fostered a sense of togetherness and shared purpose, enhancing community engagement.
Class III
City of Mansfield for The Three-Ring Ribbon Cutting
One park opening can be a madhouse, so attempting three at once is nothing short of a circus. The three-ring ribbon cutting opened three parks in one single day, adding dozens of acres of parkland, four new playgrounds, nearly two miles of trails and two splash pads with circus-themed promotions, graphics, decorations, and giveaways that built excitement and reminded residents why Mansfield has the greatest (parks) on earth!
Class IV
City of Anna’s Touch-a-Truck social media series
When The Anna Parks and Recreation Department wanted to host a Touch-a-Truck event they went a step farther that allowed the community to celebrate Public Works, Police, and Fire departments and honor Military Appreciation Month, too. To draw attention to this inaugural event celebrating multiple city departments, a series of Reels/Shorts inspired by the popular children’s YouTube show ‘Blippi’ were produced.
Lone Star Recreation Programming Achievement
Class I
The City of San Antonio’s –“Zero Robotics”
Zero Robotics is a program competition sponsored by NASA, the ISS National Laboratory and the Aerospace Corporation and operated by MIT. Participants were taught computer programming, robotics, space engineering and how to write code throughout the summer. Participants even had the opportunity to watch the astronauts input the code that they developed to control NASA’s Astrobee satellites aboard the International Space Station.
Class II
City of Allen, The Courses at Watters Creek –“PGA Hope Program – Solo Rider”
The PGA HOPE program (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) introduces the game of golf to military veterans which incorporates lessons with professional golf trainers to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. In order to take the program to the next level, Watters Creek purchased a Solo Rider Golf Cart, for those that are disabled to be able to participate in the program and the game of golf. All programs are funded by PGA REACH and supplemented by PGA Section Foundations, so the cost of the programming is free to all Veterans.
Class III
City of Cedar Park — “Tail of Lights”
Tails of Lights was created to celebrate the holiday season with pet owners and furry family members. The theme, “Even Pups Like to Paw-ty,” was a festive way to engage the community to mingle and jingle throughout the park. Furry friends enjoyed photos with Santa Paws and treats at the Yappy Hour station including a bone bar and pup cups, while owners enjoyed coffee, hot chocolate, and a s’more bar.
Class IV
City of Coppell – “Seniors vs Seniors Cornhole Tournament”
The first Seniors vs. Seniors Cornhole Tournament was held at the Coppell Senior & Community Center (S&CC). The tournament had teams of Coppell ISD (CISD) seniors and S&CC seniors face off in an afternoon of cornhole, and the S&CC members came away with the victory! The program created a partnership between CISD & the S&CC and has since created more intergenerational program opportunities between seniors and teenagers. The tournament provided leadership opportunities to the CISD students as they created the tournament details and worked alongside the S&CC seniors to make it happen. The CISD seniors have begun brainstorming more ways to be involved at the Senior & Community Center, such as a Seniors Prom.
Class V
Laurel Ridge Treatment Center, Specialized Therapeutic Services Department – “PTSD Awareness Walk 2023”
In conjunction with the VA, The Specialized Therapeutic Services Department (STS) created a PTSD Awareness Walk to bring awareness to this mental health condition and to promote recovery at Laurel Ridge Treatment Center and beyond. The 2K walk was intended to bring advocacy and education about PTSD while also promoting physical activity benefits for positive mental health outcom
Texas Gold Medal
Class I
City of San Antonio
The San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department’s vision is to provide equitable access for all by 2050. The Department operates the City’s recreational and cultural programs and maintains more than 260 City-owned parks that represent the diversity and desires of our neighborhoods and is responsible for the maintenance of over 16,000 acres of green space, including more than 240 miles of trails.
The staff commit to a culture and system that drives Excellence, Equity, Empowerment and Engagement in all they do. Achieving CAPRA accreditation in 2022 is one example of this. Focusing on the uniqueness of the culture and history of San Antonio as well as being stewards of natural resources an emphasis is placed on the health and wellness of their community to improve the quality of life for all.
Class II
City of Lewisville
The Lewisville Parks and Recreation Department strives to create a thriving community by connecting all residents and visitors to nature and play. Based on a three-pronged master plan for parks, trails and an urban tree canopy called the Healthy Infrastructure Plan strategies were developed using extensive community input, best practices and benchmarks such as the 10 Minute Walk to a Park Initiative, and innovation in public infrastructure and programming. The plan represents the built and social infrastructure elements necessary to enhance the quality of life and overall community health. A team of dedicated parks and recreation professionals, along with a legion of Park Fans spanning from elected and appointed officials to volunteers lead the effort to execute the plan and create a community where everyone feels welcome and safe to explore nature and play.
Class III
City of Mansfield
Mansfield Parks and Recreation inspires its residents to gather, grow, preserve and play with more than 1,100 acres of welcoming spaces and the countless remarkable experiences occurring every day in programs and events. Mansfield strives to exceed expectations daily, giving residents, businesses and visitors world-class amenities above and beyond essential functions and services. Through the challenges of a global pandemic, rapid local expansion and a changing world around us, Mansfield’s parks, programs and events have flourished because of their strong relationship with residents. These last few years have shone a bright spotlight on the department and its role in the community; if there was ever a question whether parks were essential services, 2020 and years since answered with a resounding YES!
Class IV
West University Place Parks and Recreation
The West University Place Parks and Recreation Department serves a community of approximately 15,000 residents. West U manages to have a wonderful small town feel, even though it’s located within the heart of Houston, the 4th largest city in the nation.
Thanks to the vision and support of West U’s citizens and leadership, the Parks and Recreation Department has grown from a system of aging facilities and parks to a comprehensive parks system, which now includes a state-of-the-art fitness and recreation center with an indoor pool, family aquatic and tennis complex, senior center, and a community building and scout facilities. Since the addition of Hughes Park, West U has a park within a 10-minute walk for all its residents!
Class V
Brushy Creek Municipal Utility District
Brushy Creek MUD’s Parks and Recreation Department has made it their mission to provide residents with access to exceptional parks, attractions, programs, and recreational opportunities. Through their Master plan, they’ve created a robust capital improvement plan that significantly elevates district facilities and green spaces. Wise capital investments in new equipment, team member’s professional development, infrastructure repairs, ramped-up marketing strategies, and dedicated employees have produced tangible results. In a world where cynicism and apathy often obscure positivity and gratitude, Brushy Creek’s Parks and Recreation Department continues to exceed residents’ expectations. Participant surveys show that residents feel the facilities, amenities, and programs enhance their quality of life, are well-planned and executed well yet affordable, and offer a wide variety of options for all demographics.
Jerry D. Garrett Young Professional Award
Daniele Stewart of the City of Missouri City Parks and Recreation Department
Daniele’s journey in Parks and Recreation has been exceptional, marked by her rapid career advancement and unwavering commitment as Assistant Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Missouri City. Her outstanding ability to be a team player and problem solver, especially during times of transition, has been invaluable to our department. Daniele’s visionary leadership has reinvigorated our department, and her ability to turn ideas into impactful projects has enhanced our community’s quality of life. She excels as a mentor and leader, fostering trust, collaboration, and open communication. Beyond her job description, she actively engages with the community and secures grants, enriching our offerings. Her contributions extend to regional and national associations, elevating her expertise and our department’s reputation. Daniele’s dedication to personal and professional growth, including her recent Master’s degree, positions her as an influential figure in Parks and Recreation.
Educator Outstanding Performance Award
Lauren Fischer of The University of North Texas
One of the most knowledgeable and articulate professors, Lauren is well-spoken, intelligent, and passionate about both the community and her career. Those are the qualities that make her both a wonderful teacher and a wonderful leader. Lauren is a problem solver with her broad and critical thinking, she is always willing to step up and help her peers. Perhaps more important is her reputation among students and colleagues alike for being an engaging educator passionate about the subject matter she teaches and equally driven in mentoring students toward their educational goals. Her emphasis and passion on community development and recreation has influenced the next generation of urban planning students to incorporate park access into their research. Dr. Fischer, did a tremendous job presenting on the importance of equitable park planning at the 2023 National Recreation and Parks Association Conference in Dallas where many park professionals were present.
Honorary Life Membership
Don Henderson, nominated by the City of Bedford Parks and Recreation Department
Don has been a staple in the City of Bedford for over 4 decades. He began as a Maintenance Parks crew member and was subsequently promoted 3 times, finally reaching the Parks Superintendent position that he has held since 2010. Don has been instrumental in the development and growth of Bedford’s Parks and Recreation Department. He has been a crucial part of almost all the major projects completed in the city including, but not limited to, The StoryWalks, The Nancy Lieberman Foundation Basketball Court at Central Park, revamping of all city parks, Boys Ranch Phase 1, Phase Next, as well as having his name plastered on a vast majority of City buildings as part of the crew that helped drive those renovations. Don Henderson’s mark on The City of Bedford is unquestioned and deserving of the highest recognition.