First annual excellence in inclusion awards

Parks & Recreation, Dec, 2004

The 2004 National Institute on Recreation Inclusion (NIRI) honored two outstanding award recipients in the Institute's inaugural Excellence In Inclusion awards this past September. Colleen Fitzgerald and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission's Department of Parks and Recreation were presented awards at the NIRI awards luncheon in Austin, Texas. It was hosted by the Texas Recreation and Parks Society in conjunction with the Texas Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities.

Colleen Fitzgerald is a program supervisor in therapeutics with the city of Boulder's Parks and Recreation's EXPAND program. She is recognized for her work on inclusion with the general parks and recreation staff in Boulder. Her wisdom and quiet perseverance in her interactions with staff contributed to their learning and appreciating the positive aspects of inclusion. Fitzgerald has positively influenced the Boulder County population of people with disabilities and those who serve them, by collaborating with and encouraging organizational and personal advocacy efforts. Fitzgerald also started a networking group that resulted in several Colorado agencies hiring staff and starting therapeutic recreation programs.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission's Department of Parks and Recreation, and Marye Wells-Harley, the department's director, were also honored for their outstanding efforts launching and supporting inclusion services in Prince George's County, Md. Under Wells-Harley's direction, and thanks to her tireless support, the department's inclusion services have been at the forefront of the inclusion movement both locally and nationally.

Why not nominate an individual and or service provider for excellence in inclusion in 2005? The 2005 NIRI conference will be held Sept. 8-11 in Palm Springs, Calif. Save the date and nominate candidates for recognition. Nominations forms and award criteria will be available by January 2005 on NRPA's Web site.