Thank You to Our Sponsors
Administration & Management Excellence
City of Mansfield
WE ARE Mansfield Parks and Recreation
Mansfield Parks and Recreation developed a mission (To create community by exceeding expectations in design, maintenance, operations, and programming with a commitment to lead as a team with uncompromising integrity) and vision (To inspire Mansfield to gather, grow, preserve and play through welcoming spaces and remarkable experiences) statements not to hang on the wall, but to serve as true guiding principles for all operations and strategic decisions. After adoption, the sentiments became the basis for a completely custom staff-led customer service model, shaping how we speak, act, and work together to support residents and our purpose. The result is a cohesive department voice and mindset aligned to our city and department’s strategic vision priorities that have made us not only more successful but ensured that all progress is in the direction of our shared goals.
Excellence in Planning
The City of Pflugerville for the Pflugerville Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan with Designer: Berry Dunn
Pflugerville’s 10-Year Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan, developed in partnership with BerryDunn, showcases a comprehensive and forward-thinking strategy built on robust community engagement. With 78% of residents regularly using the parks, over 30,000 touchpoints were made through creative engagement efforts, including a mobile chalkboard covering 140 miles, pop-up events, online platforms, and multilingual materials. These efforts were designed to meet people where they were, ensuring inclusivity and broad participation from residents of all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups. The resulting plan reflects the community’s desires, prioritizing expanded trail systems, increased shaded areas, enhanced inclusivity for residents of all abilities, and the addition of diverse recreational amenities. It also outlines goals to acquire new land for parks and trails and promote community health and wellness through outdoor activities. This approach has become a model for innovative community-driven planning, setting a high bar for future park developments.
Maintenance Achievement
City of Jersey Village for their “Jersey Meadow Golf Club Berm Project”
The City of Jersey Village’s Jersey Meadow Golf Club Berm Project is a pioneering flood mitigation initiative designed to protect our community from recurrent flooding. By elevating the golf course’s cart path and integrating a sophisticated pump station, the project not only redirects stormwater effectively but also enhances the course’s aesthetics. This innovative infrastructure has removed 62 homes from the 100-year floodplain, cutting flood risks and potential damages by millions. The berm has successfully withstood heavy rainfall and a hurricane, proving its resilience and ensuring continuous play on the course. This project exemplifies our commitment to innovative, resilient infrastructure and the safety of our residents, earning widespread acclaim from both the community and golfers alike. Victoria Salinas, FEMA Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Administrator leading Resilience, recently visited the site and recognized the creative use of public space to increase resiliency and encouraged us to share our story.
Park Design Excellence
San Antonio Parks and Recreation’s Berkley V. and Vincent M. Dawson Park with Designer Dunaway Associates
The Berkley V. and Vincent M. Dawson Park is a project responsive to robust community input from the start. The project area was once planned to be a private development, but through the collective efforts of the community, the 1.69-acre parcel was successfully reclaimed as public space. This victory solidified the park’s role as a community hub and preserved its cherished view of the historic Hays Street Bridge. The park’s connection to the historic pedestrian and bicycle bridge symbolizes the multi-ethnic community’s connection from the Eastside to downtown San Antonio.
Once the park site was established, further community engagement was sought in both the conceptual plan and park design phases. The main project goals included: outlining the project constraints and opportunities within the property; researching and reflecting the area history; understanding the community interaction with the adjacent historic bridge; and hearing the community’s vision for the park.
Dan Whitworth Fellow
Matt Young
For over three decades, Matt Young has been the epitome of the parks and recreation professional: tireless dedication to the industry while staying largely behind the scenes, far working above and beyond what is required, not for the recognition or fanfare, but to make the world a little greener, healthier, and brighter.
As he tells it, parks & recreation was just a part-time job while he earned an accounting degree. The longer he stayed, the more he fell in love with the industry, especially being a part of the sports he could no longer play due to medical restrictions. He worked in every division before rising to leadership, giving him a unique perspective and understanding of the job. That vision, combined with his love of analytics and processes, made him a powerful, though unsung, force for improving the lives of both residents and parks & recreation professionals in countless communities.
Individual Outstanding Service
Jack Sparkes, DORBA Volunteer Trail Steward
Jack’s passion for mountain biking began at age 6 and has grown into a lifelong dedication to giving back to his community and preserving the outdoor spaces he cherishes. Since 1996, Jack has been the driving force behind the Rowlett Creek Preserve Mountain biking trails as its volunteer Trail Steward with the Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association (DORBA). Under his leadership, a once-undeveloped floodplain has been transformed into a premier multi-use park in Garland, TX, featuring over 16 miles of maintained trails for mountain biking, hikers, joggers, and nature lovers. With over 5,500 hours of volunteer service hours, Jack’s contributions have significantly improved the park which attracts riders from across the state, leaving a lasting legacy not only for the mountain biking community but for all who enjoy the great outdoors.
Recreation Facility Design Excellence
Allen Parks and Recreation Stephen G. Terrell Recreation
Designer: Designer: Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture
The Stephen G. Terrell Recreation Center is a state-of-the-art, 149,000-square-foot facility designed in collaboration with Allen residents. Opened in January 2024, it serves as a central hub for health, wellness, recreation, and art, addressing the long-standing need for such a space on the underserved west side of the city. The center boasts cutting-edge amenities, including a competition gym with eight courts, a multi-level indoor playground, an outdoor fitness deck, and a gallery space for local artists. Designed to be inclusive and community-focused, it offers a wide range of programs, from youth sports to adaptive fitness, providing opportunities for all ages and abilities. With its diverse offerings and thoughtful design, the center exemplifies Allen’s commitment to creating meaningful, community-oriented spaces that inspire residents to live their best lives.
Organizational/
Volunteer Service Award
For the Love of the Lake – Nominated by the City of Dallas
For The Love of The Lake (FTLOTL) in partnership with Dallas Park and Recreation recognized the need for ADA-accessible picnic areas at White Rock Lake Park. Based on the preliminary quotes from Dallas Park and Recreation Dept. (DPARD), an ADA-accessible area costs approximately $5,000. FTLOTL has raised $45,000 in the past 10 months for this ADA project through various beneficiary charities. These funds will add 10 accessible areas to White Rock Lake Park that will make this Lone Star Park even more inclusive and reach another 68,000 people with these new amenities. The improvement of accessibility of recreational areas around White Rock Lake will encourage greater diversity in park visitations. Aside from this major accomplishment, they continue to lead monthly shoreline spruce-up efforts that divert hundreds of tons of trash from the waterways coordinated with outside groups, adopt-a-shoreline volunteers, paddling crews, and private entities.
Park Development Innovations
City of Farmers Branch for “Joya at Oran Good Park” with Designer: Kompan
Joya at Oran Good Park represents a groundbreaking fusion of playground and amusement park, offering families a free, enchanting nighttime play experience. This innovative project addressed multiple challenges: providing an exciting attraction accessible to all types of families, combating the Texas heat that often renders daytime play impractical, and meeting the community’s desire for evening park activities.
The park’s signature feature is its captivating glow, transforming the playground into a colorful and lit wonderland after dark. This required extensive collaboration with playground vendors to create a never-before-seen design that balances safety, appropriate lighting levels, sensory appeal, and, most importantly, fun. The result is a unique, free attraction that brings the magic of a “theme park experience” to Farmers Branch, allowing children and families to enjoy outdoor play well into the evening hours.
Arts & Humanities
Class I
City of San Antonio for “In Conversation: Black History Month Edition
The San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department’s Arts and Humanity program “In Conversation” provides an opportunity for the community to interact closely with artists, environmentalists, and other leaders within our community on a monthly basis. The inaugural series hosted “In Conversation: Black History Month Edition” in February 2024 at the Berta Almaguer Dance Studio and Community Center. For the first series we offered three weeks of lecture/interactive programming. The interactive series featured three different experiences which highlighted outstanding Black citizens in our community that inspired others with their talents and contributions to San Antonio’s vibrant community. In addition, the program hosted “Barrier Breakers in Medicine,” a pop-up multi-panel exhibition in collaboration with the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum featuring Black pioneers in medicine. Their inspirational contributions to our society laid the groundwork for generations of Black citizens to join the medical profession.
Class II
City of Garland for “Mumumentous”
Garland’s Heritage Crossing partnered with the Texas Historical Commission’s Lakes Trail Region to present “MUMENTOUS: Celebrating Tradition in Garland,” an engaging exhibit at City Hall from August 10 to October 12, 2024. The exhibit showcased the evolution of the Texas homecoming mum tradition through historical panels, artifacts, and over 100 mums, including a giant 18’ x 6.5’ mum installation. With over 2,500 visitors and a million views on social media, MUMENTOUS brought the community together through free programs, mum-making workshops, and educational events. The exhibit celebrated Garland’s unique history, promoted civic pride, and introduced this beloved Texas tradition to new audiences.
Class III
Town of Flower Mound for “Arts Festival at Heritage Park”
The Arts Festival at Heritage Park, established in 2021, is a direct result of Flower Mound’s 2018 Cultural Arts Master Plan. This one-day annual event, aimed at enriching the cultural landscape and strengthening community connections, continues to exceed expectations and features live performances, interactive art, and a community art project led by local artists, promoting creativity and inclusivity. Partnerships with the Texas Commission for the Arts, local organizations, and sponsors, as well as volunteer efforts from the Town’s Cultural Arts Commission and high schools, made the event a success. The festival showcases Flower Mound’s commitment to fostering local creativity and expanding artistic opportunities for residents, creating a vibrant cultural identity. The event not only fulfills the community’s desire for more cultural engagement but also brings local artists and performers to the forefront, promoting a rich, creative atmosphere.
Class IV
Wells Branch Municipal Utility District for “Pioneer Festival”
The Pioneer Festival at Wells Branch MUD, a 40-year tradition, brings Texas history to life at the historic Wells Branch Homestead. This interactive event features dozens of exhibitors, crafts, activities, demos, and musical performances, appealing to visitors of all ages. Originally a small neighborhood gathering, the festival has grown into a highly anticipated event, welcoming around a thousand participants annually. The festival relies on local volunteers and the expertise of the District’s Homestead curator to ensure an authentic experience. Highlights include historical demonstrations, hands-on activities, and a scavenger hunt for children, fostering an appreciation for Texas history and culture while providing accessible, educational programming for the community.
Class V
Laurel Ridge Treatment Center for “Hispanic Heritage Loteria”
Laurel Ridge Treatment Center, a premier behavioral and mental health hospital in San Antonio, has creatively embraced cultural celebration events as a tool for healing and connection. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Specialized Therapeutic Services (STS) Department orchestrated a unique event centered around a hospital-style adaptation of Lotería, a beloved Mexican bingo game. This innovative event, born from a collaboration between Art Therapists, Music Therapists, and Recreation Therapists, reimagined a cultural classic to serve therapeutic goals. By introducing patients of all ages—children, teens, and adults—to Hispanic heritage through games, food, and music, STS provided a rich, multisensory experience. This event not only celebrated San Antonio’s Hispanic roots but also offered underprivileged populations, who often lack access to community cultural events, a chance to engage in a joyful, socially enriching experience within a supportive environment.
Promotional & Marketing Excellence
Class I
City of San Antonio for Park Bench
Park Bench is a long-running television and video series featuring the diversity of San Antonio’s community, parks, and recreational programming. The series also highlights upcoming park projects, public service announcements, initiatives, and special events. Park Bench airs on TVSA, the City of San Antonio Government Channel. In addition, segments are published on the Parks and Recreation social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. Throughout the years, Park Bench has evolved to meet the ever-changing viewing habits of audiences. Most recently, the series focuses on evergreen content, finding and sharing unique park and recreation stories, and illustrating how our work positively impacts neighbors across the city.
Class II
City of Denton for “31 Days of Halloween”
Envisioned by the City of Denton’s Parks and Recreation and Marketing and Communications departments, the 31 Days of Halloween initiative is a groundbreaking month-long celebration in Denton that transforms the city into a Halloween haven. By offering a diverse range of events—from spooky ghost tours to family-friendly movie nights in the park—it engages residents and visitors alike, fostering community spirit and excitement. The initiative’s unique marketing strategies, including creative launch videos featuring the Sanderson sisters and the Ghostbusters, generated significant social media buzz and engagement. Additionally, its strong partnerships with local businesses have not only enhanced the programming but also stimulated the local economy during a typically quieter season. With impressive engagement and extensive community involvement, 31 Days of Halloween establishes Denton as a premier destination for Halloween festivities.
Class III
Cedar Park Parks and Recreation for The Live @ Lakeline Concert Series
During its first run of the Live @ Lakeline concert series, Cedar Park Parks & Recreation desired to creatively market the music series. The Cedar Park team set out to acquire a marketing partner for the event and landed on Waterloo Media, Austin-area media, radio, and event agency. Together with Waterloo Media, Cedar Park Parks & Recreation presented Live @ Lakeline as the official concert series of radio station 103.5 BOB FM. This partnership paid immediate dividends by increasing the media presence of the event and our department and resulted in an average of 1,000 attendees each concert night as well as offered BOB FM an excellent opportunity to expand its reach to Cedar Park.
Class IV
City of Anna’s Slayter Creek Park’s Social Media Campaign
The City of Anna’s social media campaign for Slayter Creek Park’s new skatepark successfully raised awareness and excitement for this state-of-the-art facility. Featuring inclusive design elements for skateboarders, BMX riders, and wheelchair users, the park quickly became a regional destination. Through engaging videos and posts on Instagram and Facebook, the campaign reached over 95,000 people and generated thousands of shares and interactions. This initiative positioned Anna as a hub for recreation in the DFW Metroplex, driving visitors from across the region to experience the park’s amenities. The campaign demonstrated the City’s commitment to fostering community engagement and promoting its high-quality recreational spaces.
Class V
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s TPWD Accessibility Marketing Initiative
The TPWD Accessibility Marketing Initiative is a groundbreaking effort that revolutionizes how accessibility is promoted and implemented across Texas public lands. Central to this initiative is the launch of the TPWD Accessibility website, a comprehensive platform providing real-time tracking of access upgrades, a streamlined process for reasonable modification requests, and an innovative Access and Inclusion Solutions program. The initiative also includes impactful promotional flyer cards, recognized with a national award, and a strategic outreach plan that successfully engaged the disability community through targeted events and media coverage. Guided by the Accessibility Advisory Committee, this initiative exemplifies the power of collaboration and sets a new standard for inclusivity in public services.
Lone Star Recreation Programming Achievement
Class I
The City of Austin Parks and Recreation’s “Camacho Activity Center – Camacho Adaptive Kayaking”
Camacho has developed an adaptive kayaking program for adults and youth with injuries, disabilities, and special needs. With and ADA accessible dock and portable adaptive kayaking equipment, Camacho has built up its adaptive outreach kayaking to break free of the dock itself and take adults with spinal cord injuries on river kayaking trips around Central Texas. Camacho has built its adaptive kayaking program from the ground up, working with multiple agencies, care facilities, and non-profits to provide life enrichment outdoor opportunities to the disability community.
Class II
Lewisville Parks and Recreation’s, “Muggles, Magic, & Mayhem”
Lewisville Parks & Recreation hosted a month-long event called Muggles, Magic, & Mischief to celebrate the magical world of Harry Potter. This 30-day celebration aimed to bring the enchantment of the Wizarding World to the local community through a variety of daily events and activities. Each day featured a new, creative program designed to immerse participants in magical experiences while showcasing the department’s dedication and creativity.
The overarching goal of Muggles, Magic, & Mischief was to bring a sense of real-life “magic” to the community by embracing alternative interests such as Harry Potter. It highlighted the unique talents of each participant, drawing parallels to Hogwarts students and their individual gifts. The initiative also emphasized the unity and teamwork of the Parks & Recreation team, bringing together various elements of the department to deliver a magical experience, worthy of a House Cup victory.
Class III
City of Leader — “Neon Nights: Mother & Son Glow Dance”
The Neon Nights: Mother Son Glow Dance was a spectacular event celebrating the unique bond between mothers and sons in a vibrant, glow-in-the-dark setting. Held around Mother’s Day, this magical evening featured a live DJ, delicious pizza, and a variety of exciting games and activities. Glow sticks and special blacklights enhanced the electrifying atmosphere, making the night unforgettable. This event provided a perfect opportunity for mothers and sons to create lasting memories while dancing, playing, and winning fun prizes together. This event was put on for the first time in Leander’s history in May of 2024.
Class IV
City of Katy – “Taylor Swift Ultimate Karaoke Night”
Taylor Swift Ultimate Karaoke Night transformed our recently renovated historic town square into a vibrant, family-friendly celebration, greatly exceeding our expected attendance goals. The event featured a costume contest, face painting, friendship bracelets, and a Taylor Swift-themed photo booth. Guests enjoyed Taylor Swift-inspired treats from local food trucks and participated in a raffle with exclusive merchandise and karaoke prizes. Adults savored themed cocktails, while vendors offered Taylor-inspired clothing and face painting. Twelve volunteers distributed tattoos, glow sticks, heart-shaped sunglasses, and friendship bracelets, adding to the festive atmosphere. The event was a resounding success, creating lasting memories for all ages and receiving enthusiastic feedback. A touching comment from a father highlighted the community spirit: “This is why we love living in Katy; we get to take our kids to fun events like this,” even in Taylor-inspired attire. The strong demand for a similar event in 2025 reflects its profound impact.
Class V
Inks Lake State Park, Texas State Parks, “Fun for All”
Fun For All at Inks Lake State Park was a special event created to make outdoor recreation accessible to as many Texans as possible. The event included adaptive archery, kayaking and fishing and it also provided off-road wheelchairs for visitors to explore the park. Descended from a centennial event in 2023, Fun For All became a separate new event this year with the end of the centennial statewide initiative and an increased focus on accessibility. With over 300 attendees, Fun For All achieved its goal of promoting adaptive outdoor recreation to the disability community.
Texas Gold Medal
Class II
The Woodlands Township
The Woodlands has garnered a national reputation for exceptional quality of life, achieving a unique balance where nature meets suburban living. Most evident in its parks and recreation amenities, residents can enjoy limitless opportunities in a plethora of recreational offerings. From diverse programming for all ages/interests to exceptional facilities, the Parks and Recreation Department develops, maintains and evaluates every facet of its services meticulously, ensuring it remains consistent with the standards The Woodlands has become best known for. The Department boasts 150+ parks and 220+ miles of pathways, with 100% of homes being located within a 10-minute walk of a department amenity. The Woodlands is envisioned to be a “complete” community with easy access to home, employers, recreation and schools, providing a “live, work, play and learn” dynamic lifestyle. Its expansive parks system is carefully crafted to provide residents with seamless connectivity to all aspects of suburbia, fully supporting this vision.
Class III
Pflugerville Parks and Recreation
The Pflugerville Parks and Recreation Department leads in innovation and community engagement, with practices now adopted nationwide. Recognized as the “Trail Capital of Texas” for having more trails per capita than any other city in the state, the department leverages Placer.ai to make data-driven decisions on capital projects and programming. In the past five years, it has doubled its staff and more than doubled its budget to serve one of the fastest-growing communities in Texas. Pflugerville maintains 1,500 acres of parks and greenspace and over 56 miles of trails, shading 100% of playgrounds and keeping their average age under five years. In 2026, the city will open a 140,000-square-foot, $80 million bond-funded recreation center as part of a public-private partnership, blending retail and recreation in a unique development. The department’s award-winning master plan sets a national standard for public input, creating vibrant spaces that foster health and connection to nature.
Class IV
Deer Park, Parks and Recreation
From 2021 to 2023, the City of Deer Park made significant strides in enhancing its parks and recreational services, securing funding for new facilities and involving residents in the design process. The Parks and Recreation Department adapted to challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and an EF3 tornado by shifting programming outdoors and using community centers as shelters. With a focus on inclusivity, the department expanded offerings for seniors and low-income families, launching cultural events that celebrated community diversity. Throughout this period, DPPARD also prioritized professional development, receiving numerous awards for excellence in management and maintenance. Overall, these efforts have fostered a vibrant and engaged community, enriching the quality of life for all Deer Park residents.
Jerry D. Garrett Young Professional Award
Samantha Toback of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Ryan VeeZee accepted the award on her behalf
Samantha Toback’s life ended far too soon, but her contributions to the parks and recreation field were exceptional and enduring. As statewide coordinator for the Texas State Park Ambassador Program, Sam revitalized the program post-COVID, restoring it after a hiatus and reinvigorating young conservationists across Texas. Under her leadership, the program empowered many to pursue careers with TPWD, reinforcing her legacy as a mentor and leader. Her role as Volunteer Chair for the Eclipse Planning Committee showcased her ability to unite diverse teams and ensure that Texans experienced exceptional eclipse programming in parks. Sam was involved with TRAPS, presenting at the 2022 Institute, advocating for youth engagement at Play Day at the Capitol, and planning for future TRAPS committee involvement. Though she had ambitious plans for even greater contributions, her leadership and lasting impact on parks and recreation make her eligible for this award, ensuring her legacy lives on.
Educator Outstanding Performance Award
Allie Thomas, Assistant Professor, Texas State University
Dr. Allie Thomas is an exceptional professor, researcher, advocate, and recreational therapist, exemplifying the recreation professional we should strive to be. For 16 years, Dr. Thomas has shaped future professionals through innovative teaching methods and hands-on experiences. Her dedication has earned her multiple awards, including the 2024 College Achievement Award for Teaching (also received in 2021) and the Favorite Professor Award, which she has won 7 times. Beyond teaching, she advances in the profession with research on adaptive sports, at-risk youth, and service-learning, and through countless presentations at state, regional, and national conferences. Dr. Thomas continuously gives back by being actively involved in advocacy at the state and national level, building local agency partnerships, and supporting events that promote student education, connection, and professional development. Her passion and commitment to students and the field make her an outstanding nominee for the 2025 TRAPS Outstanding Teaching Award.