Cleveland Metroparks wins six awards in the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association's 2014 Awards of E

Cleveland Metroparks received awards in six categories this week at the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association's (OPRA) conference and trade show in Sandusky, Ohio. The OPRA Awards of Excellence recognize candidates in 17 categories ranging from sports to capital improvement projects to natural resources and conservation.  This past year, first, second and third place awards were selected from more than 100 submissions by organizations statewide.



Cleveland Metroparks received awards in the following categories:



FIRST PLACE

• Law Enforcement | Using our Natural Resources to Protect Human Rights: Gay Games 9 Management Plan

SECOND PLACE

• Capital Improvement Projects - $2.5 Million and Up | Circle of Wildlife at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

THIRD PLACE

• Programs - Sports | FootGolf


• Programs - Recreation | Senior Safari at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo


• Natural Resources & Conservation| Sportfish Donation Program

OUTSTANDING YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD

• Andrew Mularo: In a category that selects only one winner, Cleveland Metroparks volunteer Andrew Mularo was awarded the �Outstanding Youth Leadership Award.� Mularo, age 17, is a member of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's teen program, Zoo Crew and volunteers for North Chagrin Reservation as well. A high school student at Charles F. Brush High School in South Euclid, Mularo has donated more than 137 hours of service to the Park District from September 2013 to September 2014.

OPRA is dedicated to position parks and recreation, professionals and citizen advocates for success through effective networking, professional development, communications and advocacy. Cleveland Metroparks is honored to have been recognized in Ohio; a state known as a trendsetter in the nation in regards to parks and recreation.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

SUE ALLEN - 216-635-3338,

sja@clevelandmetroparks.com

STEPHANIE WINGET - 215-635-3274,

sew@clevelandmetroparks.com