2023 Excellence in Design - Park Planning

Categories

Divisions

Neighborhood: parks, playgrounds or open space less than 10 acres in size which typically serve an immediate neighborhood

Community: parks, open spaces or sports complexes less than 50 acres in size which typically serve community wide needs

Regional: parks, open spaces or sports complexes greater than 50 acres in size which typically serve several communities

Specialty: unique, single use parks, open spaces or trails that do not fit in any of the above divisions, i.e. skate parks, dog parks, arboretum, etc.

Class ¹
Based on Project Cost ²

• Class 1 $0 - $2 million
• Class 2 $2 million - $10 million
• Class 3 $10 million and above

NOTES:

¹ Construction or rehabilitation of a segment within a park should be first categorized by park type, i.e. neighborhood, community, or regional and then by project cost.

² Include total construction costs and site improvements, fixtures/furnishings and equipment. Do not include personnel related project costs, master planning fees, acquisition of property, construction management fees, special testing or other non-construction costs

Recognizes planning and development or significant rehabilitation of outdoor park and recreation spaces where the majority of the site does not contain buildings, structures or facilities and that result in higher levels of community use.

One Excellence Award may be awarded in each category and each class. 

Telling the Story: Share how your program, park, facility, or marketing effort supports our California Action Plan and Parks Make Life Better! goals.

Community Need or Challenge and Desired Outcomes: Outline the community need or significant challenge your program, park, facility, or media project intended to answer/solve. Describe the desired outcomes you were looking to achieve.

Innovative Approach(es): Detail how your approach was different, new, or innovative in addressing your community need/challenge and reaching your desired outcomes.

Community Collaboration: Describe the role policy makers, staff, community members, partners and/or stakeholders played in reaching your desired outcomes.

Measuring Success: Specify, through measurable results, how you know you reached your desired outcomes as outlined above. Did the entry create a substantial community benefit, improve operational efficiencies, create new or increased value in the community or significantly enhance the provision of park and recreation services? How do you know?

Award Application Summary: In 150 words or less, please give us a compelling description of your award nomination, highlighting several points from the questions above. Note that this 150-word description may be used in future CPRS Award program marketing materials. Be sure it is representative of what you'd like not only our award judges but also general members, to read about your award nominee!

Additional Supplemental Information Requested/Required

a) Master plan or site plan, including plant palette (PDF) - REQUIRED

b) Notice of Completion or other documentation that states when the project was completed (PDF) - REQUIRED

c) Maximum 3 examples of background information that support one or more of the criteria (PDF)

d) 6 to 8 photos; before and after photos if a rehabilitation project; each photo labeled with entry and agency name.

e) If you are not a park and recreation agency and are submitting an application on behalf of a park and recreation agency/program/facility/park, please include a letter from said agency denoting they know you are submitting this award application. (PDF)