FRESNO, CA – The City of Fresno Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services (PARCS) Department has been selected as a 2016 California Park & Recreation Society (CPRS) Award of Excellence recipient for Community Center/Mixed Use Class 2 in the Excellence in Facility Design Award category for Inspiration Park and the Donovan Center, which were officially dedicated last year.
The CPRS awards program recognizes outstanding achievement in the areas of facility design, park planning, marketing and communication, and community improvement and programming through demonstrating the principles of resourcefulness, execution, accomplishment and alignment with the parks and recreation mission.
The PARCS Department addressed a number of compelling community needs with the construction of Inspiration Park and the Donovan Center. It is the first handicapped-accessible park of any kind in the Central Valley and hosts the first handicapped-accessible skate park in the nation. Inspiration Park showcases the dedication of the Fresno community to create an all-inclusive park where everyone – regardless of age, mobility, or special needs – is able to come together to enjoy a safe, accessible, and fun environment.
Mayor Lee Brand remarked, “It’s easy to see why Inspiration Park and the Donovan Center were chosen for this award – it’s a shining example of Fresno’s ability to work together to create something that meets the needs of every member of our community.”
The California Park & Recreation Society presents awards in 5 categories:
- Creating Community Award of Excellence
- Excellence in Design – Park Planning
- Excellence in Design – Facility Design
- Marketing & Communications Award of Excellence
- Professional & Service
CPRS is a membership organization with 3,600 members representing the 535 local parks and recreation agencies throughout the state. The mission of CPRS is to advance the profession and its members through education, networking, resources, and advocacy.
The presentation of awards will take place at the annual Awards Recognition Banquet scheduled for Friday, March 3, 2017 at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento, beginning at 5:30pm.