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Nov. 17, 2025
Contact: Kerry Francis, Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, 614-908-5834
Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Wins Multiple Ohio Parks and Recreation Association (OPRA) Awards of Excellence
COLUMBUS - The Ohio Parks and Recreation Association (OPRA) today announced that Columbus Recreation and Parks Department has been named the recipient of five OPRA Awards of Excellence. These awards recognize excellence in projects, programs and events that enrich the quality of life and strengthen Ohio communities.
“Winning these OPRA Awards of Excellence is a tremendous honor that reflects the heart of our community and the passion behind everything we do,” said Bernita A. Reese, M.S., CPRP, director of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department. “These awards celebrate not only our parks, programs and facilities, but also our residents, volunteers and dedicated staff who make them thrive. Together, we’re building a community where nature, wellness and creativity come to life every day.”
Columbus Recreation and Parks collected four project awards and one individual award, more than any other agency this year. Below is a list of the winning entries:
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Franklinton Parks and Souder Avenue Pedestrian Bridge Projects: First place in Capital Improvement Projects: $3-$10 Million
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Fran Ryan Center: Second place in Capital Improvement Projects: $10 Million and Up
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CBUS Soul® Fest: Second Place in Historical and Cultural Arts
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Growing the Game: Equity and Opportunity Through Golf: Third Place in Recreational Programs
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Millard D. Morgan, I, Driving Park Community Center: Youth Sports Coach of the Year
 Guilford Park, part of the Franklinton Parks
Photos, video and fact sheets about the award winners available. Please attribute all photos and video to Columbus Recreation and Parks Department.
Submissions for the OPRA Awards of Excellence were scored by five judges assigned by Awards of Excellence co-chairs and OPRA staff, with judges not assigned to any categories in which their agency had a submission or a known conflict of interest. After all the scores were finalized, first, second and third places were awarded to the submissions with the highest average score in each category.
All Excellence Awards first-place winners are submitted to be judged by state leaders for the OPRA Governor's Award, which recognizes the one park and recreation program or project that has had the most significant impact on quality of life in the preceding year. With its first-place award, the Franklinton Parks and Souder Avenue Pedestrian Bridge Project is now in the running for the 2026 Governor’s Award. A full list of the 2025 OPRA Excellence Awards winners is available online.
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