Every year, the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) recognizes agencies or organizations in Minnesota that set a standard of excellence in the field of recreation, parks and leisure services. Awards are presented in several categories, including administrative or management strategies, marketing and communications, park and facility, programming and events, sponsorships and partnerships, and volunteer initiatives.

The City of St. Louis Park recently received three 2017 MRPA Awards of Excellence for the following projects/programs:

• Westwood Hills Nature Center woodland and shoreland habitat restoration partnership – Sponsorships and partnerships category
  The restoration project was a collaborative effort between several organizations that aimed at enhancing the diversity and resilience of the plant communities throughout Westwood, increasing their value as wildlife habitat, and enhancing their utility as an outdoor classroom for nature-based programs. Management strategies were developed to control invasive species, native trees and plants were seeded and planted, and a Natural Resources Management Plan was established to manage the renewed landscape.
• The Recreation Outdoor Center (ROC) project  – Park and facility category
  The ROC is a multi-use outdoor recreational facility. The facility is used as a covered ice rink in the winter, a dry concrete floor in the summer and fall, and turf field in the spring.
• Recycling Champions – Volunteer initiatives category
  The Recycling Champions Program was launched in 2017 to engage residents who are interested in learning more about recycling. Through the program, residents serve as ambassadors in the community and share what they learn with family, friends and neighbors.

A major goal of the Awards of Excellence program is to increase public awareness and appreciation of the excellent parks, trails and recreation services available in Minnesota.