First Annual Barb King Environmental Awards Presented at NRPA
Parks and recreation agency and individual recognized for environmental leadership
Delano, Minn. (Dec. 14, 2009) — The first annual Barb King Environmental Stewardship awards were presented at the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Congress and Exposition. The awards recognize a parks and recreation agency and individual that have achieved excellence in leading his or her community to a more sustainable future.
Evelyn Kirkwood of South Bend, Ind., received the Barb King Award for Environmental Leadership. Kirkwood has worked with St. Joseph County Parks since 1979, and has been dedicated to the environment from the beginning. She focuses on environmental education, reaching out to all sectors of the community including seniors, school children, church groups, underserved kids and more.
The winner of the Barb King Award for Environmental Stewardship is Mecklenburg County in Charlotte, N.C. Recently, the County has focused on being more environmentally conscious and have implemented many programs to help drive the community to follow their lead. In addition to their nature-based programs for community members, Mecklenburg County implemented an environmentally-preferable purchasing policy and an environmental policy action plan.
Barb King (1946-2008) was a former NRPA Board member (2005-2008). In 1971, she and her husband Steve co-founded playground manufacturer Landscape Structures Inc. Barb was a passionate proponent of environmental stewardship and sustainability. She believed that sustainability started with wellness—healthy kids, healthy communities and a respect for the earth. She worked tirelessly to further the cause of creating sustainable communities through education, effective environmental planning, implementation of sustainability programs and measurable results. She actively pursued partners and affiliates who could help create programs and processes that could positively impact our communities for future generations.
NRPA is currently accepting applications for all of the 2010 National Awards including the Barb King Environmental Leadership Award and Barb King Environmental Stewardship Award. Visit www.nrpa.org for more information.