Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks’ Rocky Fork Metro Park is the winner of the 6th Annual Governor’s Award for Parks and Recreation, presented by Ohio Parks and Recreation Association. “This is a magnificent 1,000 acre park in one of the fastest growing areas of the state. The investment by Metro Parks protects the five miles of streams and forty acres of wetlands located on this land for future generations,” said OPRA Executive Director Woody Woodward. “The park also provides wonderful opportunities for passive recreation including equestrian trails, a dog park and play equipment. The partnership between Metro Parks, the cities of Columbus and New Albany and Plain Township further demonstrates that parks and recreation agencies are leaders in Ohio in the area of government collaboration.” The Governor’s Award was established in 2010 to recognize the one park and recreation program or project that has had the most significant impact on quality of life in the preceding year. The award winner was announced and the award presented at the OPRA Annual Awards Dinner on February 2 at the Kalahari Convention Center in Sandusky. All fourteen winners of OPRA program and project awards were considered for this statewide “best in show” award. Officials from seven statewide organizations formed the voting panel for the 2015 award. They included: County Commissioners Association of Ohio, Ohio Association of Broadcasters, Ohio Association of Realtors, Ohio Homebuilders Association, Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, Ohio Municipal League and Ohio Township Association. They judged the program and project winners based on the following criteria:
Demonstrated impact of the program or project on the community quality of life;
The project or program is unique/innovative or presents a new way of doing something;
The program or project addresses a felt need in the community and includes clear goals which are achieved; and,
The program or project is utilized by the community and outcomes can be demonstrated.
In addition to the Governor’s Award trophy, Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks received a proclamation from Ohio Governor John Kasich and a $500 contribution to their parks and recreation foundation.
