Arizona State Parks

Arizona State Parks - Press Release

ARIZONA STATE PARKS
For Immediate Release
Managing and conserving Arizona's natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our Parks and through our Partnerships.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Bilbrey at (602) 542-1996 or (602) 228-8518, or Monica Enriquez at (602) 542-6997… both at pio at azstateparks.gov
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Arizona State Parks Receives Natural Resources Award at
Arizona Parks and Recreation Association Conference

(Phoenix, AZ - October 11, 2007) - The Arizona Parks and Recreation Association (APRA) recently honored outstanding individuals and programs representing the fields of parks, recreation, and cultural services at the 2007 APRA Conference held in Tucson. This professional organization's goals include broadening and improving parks and recreation programs in Arizona and providing career growth opportunities for its members.

Several Valley cities were represented, some winners were Bambino Buddy Miracle League, City of Surprise for Outstanding Adaptive Program; WorldFest, City of Avondale for Outstanding Cultural Awareness Program; Outstanding Volunteer, Mary Hardt, City of Litchfield Park; Community/Neighborhood Special Event Award (Populations Under 25,000), Litchfield Park Fine Art & Culinary Festival; and honored as Professional of the Year, Teri Palmberg, of Mesa.

Other award winners from the Phoenix Metropolitan Area included:
Media - Southwest Valley Republic; Outstanding Sports Program - Arizona Parks and Recreation Association "Basketball Bonanza"; Outstanding Educational Program - Leaders in Training ( L.I.T. ) City of Chandler; Community/Neighborhood Special Event Award (Populations Over 100,000) - 50th Tumbleweed Tree; Lighting Ceremony & 17th Parade of Lights, City of Chandler; Outstanding Facility (Populations Over 100,000) - Pecos Community Center, City of Phoenix; Young Professional Award - Liz Langenbach, City of Apache Junction.

Programs and individuals from the Tucson area were honored as well. City of Tucson's KIDCO KARES won for Outstanding Youth Enrichment Program; and Donna Higginbotham-Perkins (Higgy), City of Tucson was named as an Outstanding Volunteer. The award for Outstanding Aquatics Program went to New Way, City of Tucson; the Partnership Award to Clean & Beautiful "Adopt a Park & Public Areas" and City of Tucson Parks and Recreation. Carol West, City of Tucson City Council received the award for Outstanding Public Official and the Professional Award went to Midge Irwin, City of Tucson.

Programs and facilities from other areas of the state were honored as well. Outstanding Active Adult 50+ Program - Spring Frenzy, Lake Havasu City; Community/Neighborhood Special Event Award (Populations 25,000 - 100,000) - Little Delbert Days, Lake Havasu City; Outstanding Facility (Populations Under 25,000) - Hassayampa Playground, Town of Wickenburg Outstanding Facility (Populations 25,000 - 100,000) - The Basin BMX Park, City of Flagstaff; Arizona State Parks 50th Anniversary received the Natural Resources Award.

The Arizona Parks and Recreation Association is a non-profit, professional organization designed to operate for the promotion, broadening and improvement of parks and recreation in Arizona and to offer services which help members become the best parks and recreation services providers.

For information about Arizona State Parks call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703) or visit the website at www.azstateparks.com.

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