CLEVELAND, OH — Cleveland Metroparks was selected to receive a national award for Innovation in Social Equity for its Re-Connecting Cleveland TIGER Grant project, linking more than 66,000 Cleveland residents with over 4 miles of trails to centers of employment, schools parks, and more.
Cleveland Metroparks Board of Park Commissioner Bruce Rinker was also selected to receive the national Robert M. Artz Advocate Award for his decade of service in the parks and recreation field.
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) awards will be presented during the 2021 NRPA Annual Conference in September. The awards are held annually to honor individuals and agencies across the U.S for their effort in the park and recreation field.
The Innovation in Social Equity Award is given to honor an innovative project that benefits local parks and recreation in the community.
Cleveland Metropark has recently opened the Red Line Greenway to connects eight Cleveland neighborhoods through a linear urban trail and will continue to the next two final projects: the Wendy Park Bridge and Whiskey Island Connector.
Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian M. Zimmerman stated his gratitude for the Re-Connecting Cleveland project’s success at the national level for Innovation in Social Equity.
Meanwhile, Robert M. Artz Advocate Award is given to honor advocates, an elected or appointed official, or volunteer who conducted innovative campaigns or projects to develop their public parks and recreation and positively impact their community, state, or national level.
Commissioner Rinker has been recognized for his achievement in Cleveland Metroparks with its significant impacts on services, facilities, and parks throughout the Greater Cleveland community.
Cleveland Metroparks has benefited its community for the past decades by rejuvenating the Cuyahoga River, connecting the urban neighborhoods, and building a new accessible and enjoyable lakefront.
The park is also a finalist for the “Best in Nation” Gold Medal Award held by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).