The NRPA Innovation Awards recognize and honor the latest advancements in the field of parks and recreation. These awards showcase the inspiring park and recreation agencies that have improved and empowered their communities through innovative practices in park design, health and well-being, environmental resilience, and equity. Innovation Awards are presented to Park & Recreation agencies for a program, facility or project. Submitting Master Plans are discouraged, but not expressly prohibited.
The nomination period for the 2026 NRPA Innovation Awards is January 9 - March 27.
Learn more about 2025 Innovation Award winners in the 2025 Innovation Guide.
Want to learn how to create an engaging application? Join us for a free webinar at 1:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 5, 2026. Register here for "Taking the Mystery Out of the NRPA Awards Process". A recording will be available here afterwards.
Innovation in Health and Well-Being Award
This award recognizes a park and recreation agency leading an innovative project that fosters a culture of health and well-being in their community.
Who should apply: Agencies that have to lead an initiative that has addressed a critical health need for their community such as getting residents more active, improving access to healthy food, or implementing policies that encourage healthy behavior. If you have made a difference in the health and well-being of your community, you should apply!
Apply for the Innovation in Health and Well-Being Award
2025 Winner: Care Camp, Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation, Alhambra, California
Innovation in Environmental Resilience Award
This award recognizes a park and recreation agency leading an innovative project that creates localized solutions for addressing global or regional environmental challenges.
Who should apply: Agencies that have addressed a critical environmental need in their community and have helped educate residents along the way. A critical need could be anything from habitat preservation, green infrastructure, innovative nature programs, water restoration projects and much, much more. All innovative ideas need to apply!
Apply for the Innovation in Environmental Resilience Award
2025 Winner: Blackland Prairie Restoration & Education, Play Frisco, Frisco, Texas
Innovation in Equity Award
This award recognizes a park and recreation agency leading an innovative project that improves access to the benefits of local parks and recreation for everyone in the community, no matter the color of their skin, age, income level or ability.
Who should apply: Agencies that have found an innovative way to improve access for all to a great park through things such as creative programming, community outreach and more. The sky’s the limit!
Apply for the Innovation in Equity Award
2025 Winner: Athene North Shore Recreation Area, Polk County Conservation, Granger, Iowa
Innovation in Park Design Award
This award recognizes a park and recreation agency that manages a unique park or facility that embraces innovative technology, strategies or programs to improve their community.
Who should apply: Agencies that have designed a great park tailored to their community’s needs and dreams. If your project showcases an innovative process or outcome, you should apply!
Apply for the Innovation in Park Design Award
2025 Winner: Taylor Farm Park, Henrico County Recreation & Parks, Henrico, Virginia
