Awards & Scholarships
Awards Committee-
The Awards Committee is comprised of one representative from each region in Kentucky. This committee creates, accepts, and scores nomination packets.
Judging Process
A scoring matrix is used to critique submissions. The top scorer in each KRPS class size, if applicable, will receive an award. Ties will be broken by the awards committee. Notifications to award winners will be made no later than two weeks before conference. All entries will receive a summary of the judging sheet and comments after conference is held.
To view our 2021 Award Winners - CLICK HERE
Agency
Professional
Support
Students
AGENCY AWARDS
**One outstanding department, outstanding state park and facility award will be given each year to a parks and recreation department or agency in the following classes:
Class I: 5 or less Full Time Employees
Class II: 6-10 Full Time Employees
Class III: 11-19 Full Time Employees
Class Iv: 20+ Full Time Employees
Facility
Recognizes an indoor or outdoor facility that offers a unique enhancement to the quality of life in the field of recreation and leisure service within a community.
Program
Recognizes an indoor or outdoor program that offers a unique enhancement to the quality of life in the field of recreation and leisure service within a community.
Department
Recognizes an outstanding KY Recreation Dept. who has contributed to the quality of life in their community through programming, facilities, and community engagement.
State Park
Recognizes an outstanding Kentucky State Park who has contributed to the quality of life in their community through programming, facilities, and community engagement.
PROFESSIONAL AWARDS
Professional of the Year
Recognizes a practicing recreation professional for outstanding contributions to the profession with more than 5 years experience with distinctive leadership in the field and meritorious service to our profession
Young Professional
Recognizes a new parks and recreational professional for outstanding contributions to the profession.
Fellow
Award
Recognizes a professional recreation leader who has dedicated interest in the profession or the field of leisure
Hall
of Fame
Reserved for any professional or special individual who has made unique, and extraordinary contributions to the parks and recreation progress in Kentucky.
SUPPORT AWARDS
Communication
Award
Recognizes entities and their involvement with publishing outstanding articles, programs, and coverage in the field of parks and recreation.
Public Official Award
Recognizes a current federal, state or local official who has contributed significantly to the benefit of parks, recreation, leisure services and open space programs.
David Lose Award
Presented to an agency, organization or individual that has developed and/or established a successful partnership or relationship to significantly help advance and impact the cause of the parks and recreation movement and whose dedication to the field parallels the same dedication and zeal towards parks, recreation and conservation that was exhibited by David Lose.
Special
Citation
Recognizes individuals and private industry or agencies that have given outstanding help or aid in the field of recreation or leisure time pursuits.
Other Awards & Scholarships
Dr. Alton Little Scholarship- Undergrad
Awarded to an undergrad student majoring in Leisure Studies, Recreation and/or Park Curriculum. Must be a KRPS member since January.
John McClelland Scholarship-
Masters
Awarded to a Master's Level student majoring in Leisure Studies, Recreation and/or Park Curriculum. Must be a KRPS member since January.
Outstanding College/
University Senior
Recognizes a senior in college that shows outstanding leadership in the profession.
Presidential Citation
Recognizes an individual who has been the most supportive to the President during his/her term. Award also given and is only nominated by the KRPS president and approved by the awards committee.