Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department was honored at the IPRA Awards of Excellence ceremony as a part of the Indiana Park and Recreation Association conference on November 7, in French Lick, Indiana.
News release from Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation:
Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation receives two awards From the Indiana Park and Recreation Association
Fort Wayne, Indiana (November 14, 2024) – Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department was honored at the IPRA Awards of Excellence ceremony as a part of the Indiana Park and Recreation Association conference on November 7, in French Lick, Indiana.
Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel and Director of Landscape Architecture with JPR Nathan Deig accepted the Excellence in Landscape Design Award for 2023 for Fort Wayne’s Riverfront Phase IIA public space that was completed in June of 2023. This joint project with the City of Fort Wayne’s Parks and Recreation and Community Development departments and local design firm Jones, Petrie and Rafinski (JPR) blends the aesthetics of two unique parks and celebrates the city’s natural resources. A variety of universal design elements create greater accessibility for park visitors and a natural bioswale helps to manage stormwater.
Park Board Commissioner Rick Briley also accepted the Elected Official of the Year Award on behalf of the late Mayor Tom Henry. Briley and his wife Lucy were good friends with the Henrys. Fort Wayne’s Mayor Henry built tremendous momentum for the city over 16 years of leadership. His work was evident in the city’s many national accolades and under his guidance, Fort Wayne had implemented initiatives to support and enhance park spaces in particular. Even after his passing in March 2024, the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation team has continued his legacy by improving their fellow citizens’ lives through the city’s parks and programs.
“Every year we celebrate the great accomplishments of our staff” said Director Steve McDaniel. “It is my honor to also highlight our deep appreciation for our late mayor’s strong advocacy for parks.” He added, “in 2023, the year this award marks, we were able to transition operations of Headwaters Park to our care, bring the mobile Park & Play program to neighborhood parks, open the McKinnie Commons Park, celebrate 75 years of the Jennings Recreation Center and 25 years of the Lifetime Sports Academy and earn the 33rd consecutive Tree City USA Award among many other improvements. We have a passionate and talented staff, and I thank the IPRA for this honor and recognition.”
The Indiana Park & Recreation Association Awards of Excellence recognize those throughout Indiana who embody vision, dedication and excellence in parks and recreation. These awards highlight the efforts that transcend everyday standards to make a difference and improve the quality of life in our Indiana communities. IPRA award winners include park and recreation professionals, organizations, agencies and volunteers. Projects must have been completed between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023 to be eligible.
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