IPRA 2021 Awards of Excellence Winners, continued

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-made up of seasonal, full time, and part time employees--and she oversees eight different operations: Salomon Farm Park, Salomon Farm Camp, Lindenwood, Franke Park Day Camp, the Sweet Breeze Canal Boat, Johnny Appleseed Campground, Hurshtown Reservoir, and River Camp. Eden believes that giving staff the tools they need to succeed is a crucial part of being a manager and will have a strong impact on the department’s mission. Eden’s dedication to her community and to her passion for outdoor recreation has led to much success already in her career, and she is sure to continue making a major impact in the quality of life for the citizens and visitors of Fort Wayne as they enjoy the programs she oversees.

Valpo Parks

Valpo Parks is no stranger to the spotlight, known nationally for celebrated spaces like its Central Park Plaza, recognized as one of the nation’s Best Public Spaces by the American Planning Association for its outdoor amphitheater, covered pavilion, ice skating venue, splash pad and gathering spaces. Already more than 250,000 participants join in programming at 19 Valpo Parks facilities, enjoying sports, environmental appreciation, elder enrichment, summer concerts and movies, year-round golf and more. Yet, Valpo Parks continues to look forward –dreaming of ways to make Valparaiso even more vibrant. So, for its 77th year, Valpo Parks chose to launch a community-wide movement to maximize engagement for generations to come – for all ages. Valpo Parks has introduced a bold initiative that welcomes the entire community – called Valpo for All Generations. The idea was simple: spark a public-private partnership to enrich parks by embracing all ages in four priorities: Legacy Parks for signature and beloved spaces, a new Adult Center for Enrichment (ACE) to enhance the lives of adults through education and community connection, a Next Generation Skate Park for both adrenaline and

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