South Dakota Parks & Recreation Association

Congratulations to the 2019 SDPRA award winners! These individuals were recognized Wednesday night for their outstanding contribution to parks and recreation in South Dakota.

• Years of Service Awards: Steve Papendick, Paul Beckwith, Jon Corey, Becky Graff, Sue Palmer
• President’s Award of Appreciation: Brandon Brake
• Distinguished Citizen Award: Karen Olson
• Individual Citation Award: Mitch Best
• Young Professional Award: Erin Homes, Rapid City Parks and Recreation
• Professional Service Award: Emilie Miller, South Dakota State Parks, Pierre
• Hall of Fame Award: Bob Schneider, South Dakota State Parks, Pierre
• Hall of Fame Award: Lon Van Deusen, Rapid City Parks and Recreation

Learn how these folks impacted parks and recreation through their leadership, contributions, and commitment.

Paige O’Farrell of Sioux Falls, SD, and Logan Haak of Yankton, SD, have each been named the recipient of a $2,000 scholarship presented by the South Dakota Parks and Recreation Association. The scholarships are an investment in our youth and the future parks and recreation in South Dakota.

Learn how these students are already making a name for themselves in the field of parks and recreation.

Applications are now being accepted for grants from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Public outdoor recreation projects sponsored by city, county, township and tribal governments are eligible to receive the grant money. The Land and Water Conservation Fund provides up to 50 percent reimbursement for approved outdoor recreation projects. Grants will be awarded for development or renovation of public outdoor recreation facilities or the acquisition of park land. The grants will be awarded to projects seeking at least $10,000. The application deadline is Nov. 8, 2019. LWCF funds are federal dollars that are apportioned to states by Congress to fund public outdoor recreation projects. Application packets are available on the Game, Fish and Parks website.

SDPRA is looking for enthusiastic individuals to serve on the executive board as President Elect, Secretary/Treasurer, and Member-at-Large.

Board members meet 4-5 times each year, with one meeting taking place at the annual conference each fall. Face-to-face meetings work best, but conference call options also exist for those with difficulty traveling each time. Your small commitment can help shape the association, as well as the future of parks and recreation in our state.

Elected positions will be selected by membership vote during the annual conference. We’re also seeking a representative for the student branch. This is an appointed position and serves at the request of the president.

To express an interest in any of these positions, please contact President Brandon Brake before the annual conference.