This month the Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department received 13 awards at the 2011 Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association (TRPA) Conference held in Paris, Tennessee.  TRPA is a non-profit professional society of approximately 1200+ individual and agency members organized in 1952 as the leader in supporting highly effective professionals to achieve healthy, livable communities.  TRPA exists to strengthen and unite those committed to the benefits of parks and recreation.

Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation is included in the 100,000+ population along with Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga,

Awards:

Volunteer Service Award

This award recognizes an individual(s) or organization(s) that has made a significant contribution(s) to the field of parks, recreation, and leisure services by performing volunteer services.  This year, we are proud to honor two recipients from Murfreesboro: Dr. Charles Apigian for his role in the Kids Tri.; and Mr. Andy Herzer for leading the First Shot program at Patterson Park Community Center.

Lifetime Member Award

Lifetime Member Award honors and recognizes individuals who have retired and during their tenure made numerous and/or significant long-term contributions within the parks and recreation profession.This year the department submitted for consideration Carolyn Carr, former Program Coordinator for Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation, and she was awarded Lifetime Status.

Special Events, Arts and Marketing Awards

The main focus of these awards is to recognize innovation and creativity in Special Events, Arts and Marketing and inspire others to develop similar programs in their own area.  This year the Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department was awarded for the best music program recognizing the 3^rd Friday Concert at Cannonsburgh – Shelia Hodges.

In the same category for Special Events, Arts, and Marketing, Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department was awarded for the best dance program, recognizing Patterson’s Dance – Jane Ogg.

The Longfellow Aquatics Award

The Longfellow Aquatics Award is given each year to a person, persons or agency responsible for outstanding programming or accomplishments in Aquatics. It is presented in honor of Commodore W. E. Longfellow who started the American Red Cross Lifesaving Service in 1914.  This year’s recipient is Niki Hensley, for her outstanding contributions in the aquatics field.

The Donald H. Stanton Award

The Donald H. Stanton Award is presented to the Community Center determined to have the best overall state-wide community center program.  For the 6th year in a row, Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department was awarded the Donald H. Stanton Award for its outstanding program offered to the citizens of Murfreesboro - Gernell Floyd

The Award for Excellence

This award is presented to an individual, agency or organization (public or private) that has demonstrated outstanding achievement in the field of Resource Management.  Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department was awarded for the Teen Adventure Club – Rachel Singer.

Maynard Glenn Award

The Maynard Glenn Award is given annually by the Municipal/ County Interest Section to recognize personnel who have planned, conducted or were responsible for the most outstanding recreation program during the year.  This year’s recipient is Thomas Laird, Athletics Superintendent, for Toddler Time at SportsCom. 

Robert H. Horsley Award

The Robert H. Horsley Award is given annually by the Municipal/ County Interest Section to recognize community center personnel who have planned, conducted or were responsible for the most outstanding recreation program during the year.  This year’s recipient is Gary Arbit, for his outstanding contributions to McFadden Community Center.

Wayne Hansard Award 

Wayne Hansard Award recognizes a person who has demonstrated Excellence in the Maintenance of Parks, Facilities, and/or Grounds in a cost effective and efficient manner for the safety of the citizen user or user group.  This year’s recipient goes to Steve Toombs, Maintenance Superintendent.

Four Star Award for Individual Service

Four Star Award for Individual Service is the highest award given in the field of Parks and Recreation for excellence.  The Four Star Award for Individual Services recognizes a person’s participation on a board, commission, committee or council that influences, benefits and strengthens recreation in the community.  Receiving the award for her role in building school-park partnerships is Dr. Linda Gilbert.

President’s Cup

Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department received recognition as the department in the population category of 100,000 and over that most overall reflects the professional standards set by the Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association for contributions made to both the State and to the National Association for Recreation and Parks- Lanny Goodwin.