Blue Valley Recreation was the recipient of theNational Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) component awards for the Midwest Regional Council. Longtime commissioner Bob Johnson received the Individual Citation Award due to his exceptional contributions to recreation.
Johnson was called upon many years ago to be a volunteer coach. In addition to that role, Blue Valley Rec got a citizen advocate willing to devote time and energy in order to enrich lives and strengthen the community through parks and recreation. Johnson served on the sports advisory council before being appointed to the Commission in 2002. During his eight-year appointment, Johnson served as Chairperson twice while spearheading the largest capital projects in the Commission’s history – the addition of the eight baseball/softball fields at the Recreation Complex and the Natatorium at the Activity Center.
“There is just something in Bob’s DNA pushing him to give back to the community,” said Steve Baysinger, Blue Valley Rec Executive Director. “Through his work in the field of parks and recreation, he has made a positive impact on a local, statewide and national level and has earned the gratitude of the profession.”
Because of his work with Blue Valley Rec, Johnson was introduced to the Kansas Recreation and Park Association (KRPA) and earned an appointment on its Board of Directors for his passion of the benefits parks and recreation provide. In 2006, Johnson took on a larger role within the parks and recreation profession as a Citizen Representative with NRPA. Currently, he serves as one of 12 members of the Executive Committee of NRPA’s Board of Trustees.
“I am delighted that the Midwest Region has chosen to bestow this honor on Bob—an individual for which I have both awe and admiration,” said Barbara Tulipane, CEO of NRPA. “Bob has given selflessly of his time and made endless contributions to parks and recreation, as a volunteer and citizen leader. During these particularly trying times, NRPA has benefited greatly from his financial acumen, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his general encouragement for the association to take risks and move forward.”
It’s not the first award for Johnson as he was honored last year as KRPA’s Distinguished Commissioner – given to a volunteer policy maker for service within the recreation and park movement.
Headquartered in Ashburn, VA, NRPA works closely with local, state, and national recreation and park agencies, citizen groups, and corporations to carry out its objectives. Priorities include advocating favorable legislation and public policy; increasing public awareness of the importance of parks and recreation; providing continuing education, professional certification and university accreditation; and conducting research and technical assistance. For more information, visit www.nrpa.org.
The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people. Through its’ network of some 20,000 professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy lifestyles, recreation initiatives, and conservation of natural and cultural resources.