Ohio Parks and Recreation Association has announced its 2015 Annual Awards of Excellence winners.

Throughout the state, 130 programs and projects were nominated, a 10% increase from last year.  In all, 24 different agencies have been recognized with 1st, 2nd or 3rd place awards.

“These award winners represent the best of the best in parks and recreation in Ohio,” said OPRA Executive Director Woody Woodward.  “These programs and projects are changing the lives of people around the state and building better communities in Ohio.  The 1st Place winners include state parks, cities and large and small park districts.  Our members are offering amazing programs and great facilities in communities of all types around Ohio.  That diversity is a strength of our association and helps to ensure that citizens all over the state receive the benefits of parks and recreation.”

The awards were judged by a panel of parks and recreation professionals from around Ohio.

The OPRA Annual Awards of Excellence will be presented at a banquet hosted by the association on February 2, 2016 at the Kalahari Convention Center in Sandusky in conjunction with the 2016 OPRA Conference & Trade Show.  One 1st place award winner will be presented with the 2015 Governor’s Award for Parks and Recreation, a “best-in-show” award which includes a $500 contribution to the parks and recreation foundation of the winner.

A complete list of winners is available by clicking here.