Awards Gala Celebrating Excellence in Parks and Recreation!
Today, we recognize the achievements of extraordinary individuals and groups who have left a lasting impact on the parks and recreation field. Sometimes in this busy world we live in, we forget to say thank you loud enough. Today, we welcome the opportunity! Master of Ceremonies Seton Winterholt Prayer Elder Gladys Wapass-Greyeyes Dinner Roast Beef Turkey Mashed potatoes Gravy Roasted root vegetables, corn, salads Death by Chocolate Cake, Apple Crisp and Dream Cake Greetings Mr. Herb Cox, MLA for the Battlefords, representing the Government of Saskatchewan His Worship Ryan Bater, Mayor of North Battleford Coralie Bueckert, President of the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association Presentations Canadian Parks and Recreation Association Award Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association Scholarships Communities in Bloom Awards Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association Awards
CANADIAN PARKS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION AWARD The CPRA President’s Award of Distinction recognizes the exceptional contributions, or long-term commitment, of an individual that has worked towards the advancement of the parks and recreation agenda on a national level.
Norm Campbell - CPRA President’s Award of Distinction
Norm has led an exemplary 40-year career in the field of recreation, beginning in the late 1970s, working for the City of Moose Jaw, as a Recreation Programmer. He worked his way through the ranks to Facility Manager, Special Projects Coordinator and finally, to Recreation Director - overseeing all operations in the Department. Norm accepted the position as Chief Executive Officer for the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association in 2000. In this role, he was instrumental in making SPRA the leader for recreation not only in Saskatchewan but at a national level.
Norm served many years on the South-Central Regional Recreation Association, as a Board member. He served as the Chairperson on the Zone 3 Sports Council and was highly involved in numerous Saskatchewan Winter and Summer Games programs in a number of different capacities, from Zone Mission Staff to Host Committee Board member. He also worked with a variety of different partners, including the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport, the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association, the Saskatchewan Nonprofit Partnership and the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association. Norm is an advocate for the field, a charismatic leader and a strategic thinker who has left his mark on all levels of the recreation sector.
SPRA SCHOLARSHIPS
These deserving recipients are enrolled in post-secondary Recreation and Leisure Programs across Saskatchewan. We are proud to support these students and the future of recreation in our province.
Courtney Saboe Saskatchewan Polytechnic Recreation and Community Development
Benjamin Berger University of Regina Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies
Maija Kuan University of Saskatchewan College of Kinesiology
COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM AWARDS
Communities in Bloom is a grassroots program that recognizes community participation in projects involving environmental awareness, heritage conservation and the maintenance and development of local green spaces. Join us in congratulating the 2019 Provincial Competition Winners!
Wolseley, SK
Population Category 501 – 1,000 Special Mention for Collaboration between Town Council and Volunteers
Preeceville, SK
Population Category 1,001 – 2,000 Special Mention for the Nature Trail near Annie Laurie Lake
Outlook, SK
Population Category 2,001 – 3,000 Special Mention for Highway 4 WayStop Green Spaces
Nipawin SK
Population Category 3,001 - 4,999 Special Mention for Green Spaces and Parks
SPRA AWARDS
The SPRA Awards pay tribute to exceptional individuals, communities and projects that add to our quality of life through recreation and parks.
Spruce Haven Recreation Park – Cecil Nobes Facility Award of Excellence Spruce Haven Recreation Park in Melfort has grown to be a park like no other in the area. It has a ballpark, community garden, labyrinth and picnic area and continues to evolve as a community hub. In 2018, a 15,000 square foot skatepark was added, along with a new splashpark and a fully accessible playground in 2019. Two new soccer pitches are also in development for 2020. A five year Master Plan specifically for this park has guided the creation of this amazing outdoor space. The plan is proactive and responsive to the needs of the community. It has enhanced community vitality and is a space that not only encourages active living but brings the City’s brand, “Play Melfort”, to life.
Facility Operations Award – Kevin Roberts Kevin has been the Director of Sports & Recreation for the Lac La Ronge Indian Band at Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre (JRMCC) for seven years. With Kevin’s leadership, the JRMCC has expanded their operations from a small recreation centre to a state of the art Community Centre, that includes gym, kitchen, large arena, fitness centre, walking track, youth centre, ball diamonds and a newly developed mini golf course. His community-minded perspective has helped build relationships, create new programs and professional development training for his staff and brought new host opportunities to the JRMCC. Kevin has a vision for recreation that reaches far beyond the walls of the JRMCC and touches everyone in the Tri-Community area!
Fitness Leadership Award – Beatrice Songer Beatrice is a vibrant 75 year old that is transforming the health and wellbeing in her community of Central Butte. Since becoming a certified Fitness Leader in 2009, she has been actively involved in teaching exercise classes to older adults ranging in age from 76 to 99 years old. Beatrice is also the Activity Director at Iver Main Place, a nonprofit care home. Here, she plans recreation activities and exercise programs for residents, their families, the staff and strives to get the whole community involved. Beatrice inspires others to be more active and proves there is no age limit on fitness!
Colleen Kearns – Volunteer of the Year Award
Colleen has been a pillar for volunteerism in Foam Lake over the past 30 years. She was the backbone of many of the services that the community offers and is proud of today. She held the roles of both Secretary and Treasurer for the Foam Lake Recreation Centre and the Foam Lake Community Hall. She was also instrumental in fundraising for the Foam Lake Community Hall - completed in 1991 and the Foam Lake Water Park - completed in 2014. Colleen was also a founding member of the Foam Lake Recreation Combine Lotto Committee, which has raised over $2.4 million dollars over the past 24 years! Colleen’s legacy of volunteerism and commitment to community service, will live on in her memory.
Burstall Community Hall Commission Group – Community Achievement Award
Eight years ago, a group of community members realized that the existing Community Hall had lived past its life span. This dedicated group of volunteers formed the ‘Community Hall Commission’ and they had a vision of a new, accessible hall for Burstall. From building plans to organizing fundraisers, to hands-on construction, their “yes, we can” and “yes, we will” attitude brought this amazing $1.7 million dollar project to fruition. In 2019, the Burstall and District Hall celebrated their grand opening. With each community event, wedding, drama or meeting it hosts, the facility is bringing people together and creating opportunities for future generations.
Town of Carrot River - Carrot River Community Square – Parks and Open Spaces
It’s hard to believe that the Carrot River Community Square was once a vacant lot in the middle of town but together, the Carrot River Economic Development Board, the Recreation Board and the Town of Carrot River saw its potential. The space was literally built from the ground up with support from local residents, volunteers and businesses. It features a walking space, grassed areas, benches and a large covered mainstage for performances, entertainment and events. The Community Square has become a welcoming gathering space that has revitalized downtown Carrot River.
Dean Robson – Award of Merit
Dean has been actively involved in the recreation sector for over 25 years. Upon graduating with a Bachelor in Physical Education from the University of Saskatchewan in 1993, Dean accepted a position as Recreation Director in Kipling. In 1998, he became the Facility Manager for the City of Swift Current. He was awarded the Saskatchewan Facility Operator Award in 2003. He became the Director of Recreation and Parks in 2006 and the General Manager of Community Services in 2013. In addition to his career contributions, Dean is also an avid volunteer in recreation and sport. He volunteered with Senior Hockey, taught recreational hockey and tennis, and organized many baseball tournaments. He was involved in the development of girl’s hockey in Swift Current and coached from initiation to bantam. He was a parent volunteer for volleyball and considered the best linesmen from coaches and referees around. He also coached girl’s fastball from 2006 - 2009. Dean’s leadership has shaped numerous recreational professionals around the province for the last 25 years. His knowledge is highly sought after and he always takes the time to share his wisdom. Dean’s passion for recreation can be seen in all his professional and volunteer endeavours and Saskatchewan is very lucky to have him!
Anne Weisgerber –The President’s Award of Distinction
Anne has worked for the South West District for Culture, Recreation and Sport for the past 10 years and worked for the South West Regional Recreation Association for many years prior. In her role with the District, she assists communities and non-profit organizations with all things recreation including organizational development, sport development, clinics for officials, grant writing and so much more. Anne was also instrumental in the planning and organization of the 2018 SPRA Conference in Maple Creek.
Anne has been involved in every Saskatchewan Games since 1984. In her position with the South West District for Culture, Recreation and Sport, Anne has coordinated Team South West for the past several games. She has brought opportunities to young athletes, coaches and managers to be involved in a multi-sport event. Anne’s dedication has resulted in hundreds of athletes engaged in healthy activities, trying and learning different sports that may lead to lifelong involvement and giving opportunities to young, amateur athletes to attend an event that they will never forget. Anne also dedicated her efforts on a bigger stage. She was a member of the Team Saskatchewan Mission Staff at the 2011 Canada Games in Halifax and at the Western Canada Games in Fort McMurray in 2015. Anne was also active on the planning committee for the 2019 Western Canada Games in Swift Current. Anne is a recreation veteran, tireless advocate for the sector and true leader in the province.
Clive Craig – Lifetime Achievement Award
Clive attended high school in Moose Jaw, and after graduation, spent a few years working in media, community programming and the Canadian Pacific Railway. He then went to Recreation Tech School in Calgary, AB. In 1976, he became the Recreation Director in Elrose, SK. A few years later he moved to Martensville, SK and after 22 years in the community of Esterhazy as their Recreation Director, he retired. Some of his involvement in the early years of sport included: stick boy, assistant trainer and board member of the Moose Jaw Canucks, stick boy for the Moose Jaw Pla-Mors Senior Hockey Team and the Moose Jaw Ladies Senior Hockey Team. He was Director of the Saskatchewan Senior Hockey League. He held positions of bat boy, manager and director for several fastball teams and leagues in Moose Jaw. Clive has strong prairie roots and has lived in a number of communities including Moose Jaw, Thompson, Winnipeg, Martensville, Calgary, Elrose, Esterhazy and Yorkton. In every community, he connected with sports and recreation as a volunteer and/or a practitioner. He held positions of member, director and president in many different recreation, hockey, baseball, golf, soccer and multi-sport organizations. His leadership in sports and recreation has existed within the Parkland Valley District for many years. He volunteered on the Boards of the Qu’Appelle Valley Recreation Association, Parkland Recreation Inc. and Zone 4 Sports Council. He was on the host committee of 2005 SPRA Provincial Conference and involved in the Western Canada Bantam Hockey Championships. He has been involved as Mission Staff for the Saskatchewan Games for many years, as well. He was involved provincially on Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association committees and on their Board of Directors. He served for a six year term, off for one year (as per the criteria) and then came back for another six year term! His dedication is so admirable and was formerly recognized by the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association in 2004 when he was awarded the Award of Merit. Clive has been instrumental in progressing recreation at the local, provincial and national level and has left a indelible mark on the recreation industry and all of the people who have had the privilege of working with him.
Thank you to our funder, Saskatchewan Lotteries! With your support, we are energizing and changing lives through recreation.
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