​History of Major Awards & Recognitions

​​​​​​​​​​​2023

  • Tropical Splash at Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium - Silver International Aquatic Safety 2023 Award - Based on Aquatic Safety Tream's performance as evaluated during unannounced aquatic safety audits by Jeff Ellis & Associates Inc.
  • Everglades Holiday Park - In the Top 10% of Attractions Worldwide - Tripadvisor Traveler's Choice 2023 Award
  • Public Communications & Outreach Group - Meritorious Award for Everglades Holiday Park Renovations Quality of Life - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Public Communications & Outreach Group - Meritorio​​us Award for Wildlife Wednesday Video Series - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Favorite Park or Playground - C.B. Smith Park - South Florida Family Life magazine Family Favorite Award 
  • Favorite Place to Swim & Splash - Paradise Cove at C.B. Smith Park - South Florida Family Life magazine Family Favorite Award

2022​​​​​

  • T.Y. Park Castaway Island aquatics staff - 2022 Gold International Aquatic Safety Award - Jeff Ellis & Associates - for an aquatics facility the consistently exceeds criteria for Aquatic Safety Team performance during unannounced audits​
  • Dan West, Director of Parks, received the 2022 Presidents Award for Outstanding Service, Legends Committee - American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration
  • Public Communications & Outreach Group and Broward County Office of Public Communications - Award of Honors for Parts 1 & 2 for Parks & Recreation and Visual Effects, Urban Oasis Series: Herman and Dorothy Shooster Nature Preserve​ and Part 1 - Herman & Dorothy Shooster Nature Preserve​ ​- National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors
  • Public Communications & Outreach Group and Broward County Office of Public Communications - Excellence Award for 2022 Video Series, Urban Oasis Series: Herman and Dorothy Shooster Nature Preserve​ - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Special Populations Section - 2022 Innovative Programming: Community Building Award ​- Florida Recreation and Park Association 
  • Favorite Park and Playgrounds - C.B. Smith Park - South Florida Family Favorite Award - South Florida Family Life
  • Favorite Place to Swim & Splash - Paradise Cove at C.B. Smith Park - South Florida Family Favorite Award South Florida Family Life​
  • Everglades Holiday Park is in the top 10 percent of attractions worldwide and named a Traveler's Choice Award winner from TripAdvisor
  • Gayle H. Preston, former Assistant Director of Parks, received a Lifetime Professional Award of Excellence - National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials
  • February 2020 Broward Kitchens Clean Plate List - Castaway Island Food Concession - Channel 10 News for Zero Violations​
  • Outstanding Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network Partner  ​- Broward County Parks and Recreation Special Populations Section - Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission​

2021

  • Conservation Award for the Herman and Dorothy Shooster Nature Preserve  ​- Broward County Parks and Recreation Environmental Management Group - National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials
  • Everglades Holiday Park is in the top 10 percent of attractions worldwide and was named a Traveler's Choice Award winner from TripAdvisor.

2020

  • March 2020 Certified Go Green Project - Sunview Park Community Center - Broward County Environmental Planning and Community Resilience Division
  • January 2020 Broward Kitchens Clean Plate List - Castaway Island Food Concession - Channel 10 New​s for Zero Violations
  • 2019 First Place National Communications Award - Apple Core Newsletter, Brenda Marty-Jimenez - National Extension Association of Family & Consumer Services
  • 2019 First Place Southern Regional Award - Apple Core Newsletter, Brenda Marty-Jimenez - National Extension Association of Family & Consumer Services
  • 2019 Recycling Champion Award, Miguel Solivan, Special Populations Section 3R's Arts and Crafts Program, from Florida Recycling Partnership

2019

  • Director Dan West elected to American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration

  • 2019 Achievement Award - Woofing Waters Dog Park, Quiet Waters Park - National Association of Counties (NACo)

  • 2019 Alan and Marsha Levy Champion of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Award - Senior Park Manager Val Wolberg - Children's Services Council of Broward County

  • 2019 SUNsational Service Award - Maintenance Worker Sebastian Serna - Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau

  • 2019 Certificate of Excellence - Fern Forest Nature Center, T.Y. (Topeekeegee Yugnee) Park, Tradewinds Park & Stables - TripAdvisor

  • 2019 Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame - Anne Kolb Nature Center, C.B. Smith Park, Hollywood North Beach Park, Markham Park & Target Range, Quiet Waters Park - TripAdvisor

2018

  • Favorite Park - C.B. Smith Park - Broward Family Favorite Award Broward Family Life

  • Favorite Place to Swim & Splash - Paradise Cove at C.B. Smith Park - Broward Family Favorite Award Broward Family Life

  • Favorite Dog Park - Barkham at Markham - Broward Family Favorite Award Broward Family Life

  • 2018 Achievement Award - Marine Environmental Education Center at Carpenter House - National Association of Counties

2017

  • Free or Low-Cost Fun - Broward County Parks - Reader's Choice Award Broward Family Life
  • Favorite Parks - Tree Tops, T.Y. (Topeekeegee Yugnee), and Vista View parks - Reader's Choice Award Broward Family Life
  • Favorite Places to Swim & Splash - Paradise Cove at C.B. Smith Park - Reader's Choice Award Broward Family Life
  • Favorite Adventure - Everglades Holiday Park - Reader's Choice Award Broward Family Life
  • Favorite Family Festivals - Florida Renaissance Festival, Quiet Waters Park - Reader's Choice Award Broward Family Life
  • Favorite Attractions - Butterfly World, Tradewinds Park (South) - Reader's Choice Award Broward Family Life
  • Favorite Dog Park - Barkham at Markham - Reader's Choice Award Broward Family Life
  • Outstanding Achievement in Historic Preservation - Carpenter House - City of Hollywood Historic Preservation Board
  • Lifesaver Award - Broward County Parks - YMCA of South Florida

201​​6 

  • Free Family Fun - Broward County Parks - Reader's Choice Award Broward Family Life
  • Special Event - K-9 Water Festivals - Reader's Choice Award Broward Family Life
  • Nature Centers - Anne Kolb Nature Center and Fern Forest Nature Center - Reader's Choice Award Broward Family Life
  • Places to Swim & Splash - Castaway Island at T.Y. Park and Paradise Cove at C.B. Smith Park - Reader's Choice Award Broward Family Life
  • Dog Park - Barkham at Markham Park - Reader's Choice Award Broward Family Life
  • Best Parks - T.Y. Park, Tree Tops Park, and Vista View Park - Reader's Choice Award Broward Family Life
  • Best Nature Trail - Military Natural Area - Best of Broward New Times Broward-Palm Beach
  • Best Beach - Hollywood North Beach Park - Best of Broward New Times Broward-Palm Beach
  • Best Selfie Backdrop - Everglades Holiday Park - Best of Broward New Times Broward-Palm Beach
  • Excellent Award Find It All magazine - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Excellent Award Parks Facebook page - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Meritorious Award Parks Website - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers

201​​​5

  • Certificate of Excellence - Anne Kolb Nature Center, Butterfly World at Tradewinds Park & Stables, C.B. Smith Park, Everglades Holiday Park, Hollywood North Beach Park, Markham Park & Target Range, Quiet Waters Park, Tree Tops Park - TripAdvisor

2014

  • Top Three Best Florida Attractions - Everglades Holiday Park - Reader's Choice Award USA Today and 10Best.com
  • 2013 Silver International Aquatic Safety Award - Aquatics Staff - Jeff Ellis & Associations
  • Top Five Parks in Broward County - T.Y. (Topeekeegee Yugnee) Park - Lifestyle
  • Superior Award Highlights - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Meritorious Award Find It All magazine - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers

2013

  • Meritorious Award This is a Tale of a Castaway (Island) - Michael Mills (Public Communications Group) - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Favorite Infant/Toddler Programs - Broward County Parks - Reader's Choice Award Broward Family Life
  • Favorite Family Gathering Place - Broward County Parks - Reader's Choice Award Broward Family Life
  • Favorite Local Water Park - Splash Adventure (Quiet Waters Park) and Paradise Cove (C.B. Smith Park) - Reader's Choice Award Broward Family Life
  • Favorite Dog Park - Barkham at Markham Park - Reader's Choice Award Broward Family Life
  • Favorite Place to Chill as a Family - Campgrounds at Quiet Waters Park - Reader's Choice Award Broward Family Life
  • Judges' Choice for Best Park - Quiet Waters Park - Kids Crown Award South Florida Parenting
  • Best Park - Quiet Waters Park - Best of Broward New Times Broward-Palm Beach

2012

  • Reaccreditation - Parks and Recreation Division - National Recreation and Park Association/Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies
  • Meritorious Award Florida Burrowing Owls interpretative signage - Public Communications Group & Planning and Development - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Meritorious Award Facebook - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Meritorious Award YouTube - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Best Touristy Activity - Everglades Holiday Park - Best of Broward New Times Broward-Palm Beach
  • Best Kayaking - West Lake Park - Best of Broward New Times Broward-Palm Beach

2011  

  • 2010 Gold International Aquatic Safety Awards - Central Broward Regional, Quiet Waters, & T.Y. Parks aquatics staff - Ellis & Associates
  • 2010 Silver International Aquatic Safety Award - C.B. Smith Park aquatics staff - Ellis & Associates
  • Superior Award Earth Day Extravaganza event - Plantation Heritage Park, Public Communications Group, and Broward County Waste and Recycling Services - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Excellent Award Find Yourself campaign - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Meritorious Award Find the Great Outdoors brochure - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers

2010 

  • Excellence in Site Reuse Award - Vista View Park - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 4
  • Excellence Award 23rd Annual Employee Meeting - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Meritorious Award eHighlights - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Best Place To Cable Ski and Wakeboard Award - Ski Rixen USA, Quiet Waters Park - Reader's Choice City Link
  • Best Use of Local Tax Dollars Award - Vista View Park - Davie Town Times

2009

  • Class II Award Park and Recreation Areas and Facilities - Long Key Natural Area and Nature Center - National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials
  • Best of Class Award eHighlights - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Superior Award eHighlights - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Meritorious Award "Message From the Director - 22nd Annual Employee Meeting" - Michael Mills, Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Achievement Award Mobile Extension Office Networks With Local Master Gardener Coordinators - Urban Horticulture, Extension Education Section - National Association of Counties
  • Best Dog Park - Barkham at Markham Park - Best of Broward New Times Broward-Palm Beach
  • Best Nature Trail - Fern Forest Nature Center - Best of Broward New Times Broward-Palm Beach
  • Best Place To Get Wet - Ski Rixen USA at Quiet Waters Park - Best of Broward New Times Broward-Palm Beach
  • Best Water Park for Any Age - Paradise Cove at C.B. Smith Park - Kids Crown Award South Florida Parenting
  • Best Nature Encounters and Preschool Nature Programs - Long Key Natural Area and Nature Center - Kids Crown Award South Florida Parenting
  • Best Park Playground for Kids - Plantation Heritage Park - Kids Crown Award South Florida Parenting
  • Best "Old" Park That's Like Brand New - T.Y. (Topeekeegee Yugnee) Park - Kids Crown Award South Florida Parenting
  • Best Use of Tax Dollars - Vista View Park Expansion - Reader's Choice Award Davie and Southwest Ranches Town Times
  • Outstanding Public Education Program Award Broward County Tree Trimmer Certification Program - Commercial Horticulture, Extension Education Section - Florida Urban Forestry Council

2008

  • Facility Showcase Award - Central Broward Regional Park and Long Key Natural Area and Nature Center - Florida Recreation and Park Association Journal
  • Best Fall Outing Hayrides and Campfires - Broward County Parks - Kids Crown Award South Florida Parenting
  • Best Park for Toddlers When It’s Hot Outside - Quiet Waters - Kids Crown Award South Florida Parenting
  • Best Place To Chase Fairies - South Florida Renaissance Festival at Quiet Waters - Kids Crown Award South Florida Parenting
  • Best Parks - C.B. Smith Park and Tradewinds Park & Stables - Kids Crown Award South Florida Parenting
  • Best Nature Center - Anne Kolb - Kids Crown Award South Florida Parenting
  • Best Place To Skate - Brian Piccolo Sports Park & Velodrome - Kids Crown Award South Florida Parenting 
  • Best Places To Splash - Castaway Island at T.Y. Park and Splash Adventure at Quiet Waters Park - Kids Crown Award South Florida Parenting
  • Best Local Attraction - Butterfly World at Tradewinds Park & Stables - Kids Crown Award South Florida Parenting 
  • Best Festival - South Florida Renaissance Festival at Quiet Waters Park - Kids Crown Award South Florida Parenting
  • Best Nature Trail - Secret Woods Nature Center - Best of Broward New Times Broward-Palm Beach
  • Best Place To See a Gator - Everglades Holiday Park - Best of Broward New Times Broward-Palm Beach
  • Class II Award Park and Recreation Areas and Facilities - Central Broward Regional Park & Stadium - National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials
  • Best Place for Family Bonding - Quiet Waters Park - 2008 Nickelodeon Parents’ Pick Awards

2007

  • Robert L. “Bob” Harbin Appreciation Day - August 14, 2007 - Broward County Board of County Commissioners
  • 2007 Judge L. Clayton Nance Award - Baez House at Long Key Nature Center and Natural Areas - Broward County Historical Commission
  • Category I Winner It Starts in Parks Award - It Starts in Parks tagline use - Florida Recreation and Park Association
  • Fellow Award - Bob Harbin - National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials
  • Class II Award Park and Recreation Program Award Tandem Bike Skills Development Program - Special Populations Section - National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials
  • Excellent Award Park Avenue - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Excellent Award Highlights - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Meritorious Award Parkpaws eNews - Pat Raglin - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Excellent Award Safe Parks and Land Preservation Bond Program brochure - Office of Public Communications, Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers 
  • Superior Award Teacher & School Field Trip Planning Information program - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Meritorious Award Sanctuaries brochure - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Excellent Award Park Avenue - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Superior Award Highlights - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Superior Award Nearby Nature - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Superior Award Hiking at Tree Tops Park article - Michael Mills - National Association of County Information Officers

2004

  • Achievement Award Partnerships & Planning: Putting Smart Growth into Regional Practice: Safe Parks and Land Preservation Bond Program - National Association of County Officers
  • Excellent Award Quiet Waters Skate Park television spot - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Excellent Award Highlights en Español - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Meritorious Award Park Avenue - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers

2003

  • Class IV Merit Award for Park Facility Monarch Interpretive Center - Secret Woods Nature Center - National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials 
  • Meritorious Award Make a Splash! brochure - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Excellent Award Highlights en Español - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Meritorious Award Second Anniversary Safe Parks and Land Preservation Bond Program 2002 Annual Report - Broward County Office of Public Communications, Broward County Department of Planning and Environmental Protection, Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Superior Award Message From the Director, 17th Annual Meeting - Michael Mills, Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Meritorious Award Annual Holiday Fantasy of Lights Sponsorship Solicitation kit - Skip Proscia, Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Meritorious Award 10th Annual Holiday Fantasy of Lights Souvenir Program - Skip Proscia, Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Award of Excellence Long Key Habitat Restoration - Environmental Planning Group - American Society of Landscape Architects, Florida Chapter, 2003 Annual Design Awards

2002

  • Superior Award Safe Parks and Land Preservation Newsletter - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Media Excellence Award Parks Website - Cyndy Baker and Gary Weiss, Public Communications Group - Florida Recreation and Park Association

2001

  • Excellent Award Parks Website - Cyndy Baker and Gary Weiss, Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Achievement Award Safe Parks and Land Preservation Bond Referendum Program - Broward County Parks and Recreation Division - National Association of Counties

2000

  • Excellent Award A Guide to Broward County Parks - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Excellent Award Message From the Director, 14th Annual Employee Meeting - Michael Mills, Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Meritorious Award 1998: A Look Back – A Look Ahead - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Meritorious Award SWIM Central - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Meritorious Award Nearby Nature television spot - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers

1999

  • Award of Excellence Nearby Nature Calendar - Public Communications Group - International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), Gold Coast Chapter
  • Excellent Award Highlights - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Excellent Award Make a Splash at a Broward County Park PSA - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Meritorious Award A Guide to County Parks in North Broward - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Meritorious Award Nearby Nature Calendar - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Meritorious Award Sixth Annual Holiday Fantasy of Lights event – Revenue Section - National Association of County Information Officers

1998

  • Kudos Award Best Overall Communicator - Public Communications Group - National Recreation and Park Association
  • Kudos Award Best PSA Picnic Shelters/Hall Rentals - Public Communications Group - National Recreation and Park Association
  • Superior Award Highlights - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Meritorious Award Press Release Writing - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers 
  • Award of Merit Highlights - Public Communications Group - International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), Gold Coast Chapter
  • Achievement Award Tandem Bike Program for Persons With Visual Impairments - Special Populations Section - National Association of Counties
  • Achievement Award Pet Adoptions in the Park - National Association of Counties

1997

  • Accreditation - Broward County Parks and Recreation Division - Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies
  • Agency Excellence Award - Broward County Parks and Recreation Division - Florida Recreation and Park Association
  • District Eight Director’s Award - Bob Harbin - Florida Recreation and Park Association
  • Programming Excellence Partnership Award for Most Outstanding Event Holiday Fantasy of Lights - Revenue Section - Florida Recreation and Park Association
  • Award of Excellence West Lake Park - Environmental Planning Group - National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials
  • Achievement Award Nearby Nature Naturalist Program - Naturalists - National Association of Counties
  • Award for Excellence Love & Jazz Logo - Gary Weiss - National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials 

1996

  • Lifetime Individual Award Planning and Design Superintendent Jimmie R. Clark - National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials

1995

  • Merit Award Unexpected Pleasures - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers

1994

  • Kudos Award for Best Overall Communicator - Public Communications Group - National Recreation and Park Association
  • Award of Excellence Holiday Fantasy of Lights Logo - Gilles LaMarche - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Areas and Facilities Award to Freshwater Marsh Restoration Project at Tree Tops Park - Environmental Planning Section - National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials 

1993

  • Achievement Award Selective Modified Privatization (Public/Private Partnerships) - National Association of Counties
  • Professional Fellow Award - Division Director Larry Lietzke - National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials 
  • Outstanding Environmental Resources Administrator Gil MacAdam - American Society of Public Administrators

1992

  • Exceptional Overall Programming Award - Broward County Parks and Recreation Division - National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials
  • Achievement Award Nature Teaching Teachers Program - National Association of Counties
  • Award of Excellence Educate, Preserve, and Restore - Environmental Planning Section - Take Pride in Florida/America

1991

  • Achievement Award Horses and the Handicapped: A Win-Win Partnership - National Association of Counties
  • Best of Class Award Nature Teaching Teachers Brochure - National Association of County Information Officers

1990

  • National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management - Broward County Parks and Recreation Division - National Sports Foundation
  • National Winner The West Lake Story - Environmental Planning Section - Take Pride in Florida/America
  • Award of Excellence Division and Regional Park Four-Color Brochures - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Award of Merit 1990 Gold Medal Award Slide/Video Presentation - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Achievement Award A Question of Preservation: It’s Your Choice - National Association of County Information Officers

​1989

  • Achievement Award The Birth of a Park System - National Association of Counties
  • Superior Award Take the Lead brochure - National Association of County Information Officers

1988

  • Award of Excellence for Board and Commission Member - Roy Rogers - National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials 
  • Award of Excellence for Facility - Peace Mound Park - National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials 
  • National Winner: Peace Mound Park - Environmental Planning Section - Take Pride in Florida/America

1987

  • Award of Excellence Highlights - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers

1986

  • Award of Excellence West Lake ’86: Into Action - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers

​1985

  • Award of Excellence Broward County Fair Exhibit - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Award of Merit Father Nature radio spot - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Award of Merit Storytelling Festival flyer - Public Communications Group - National Association of County Information Officers
  • Award of Excellence and Best of Category for Landscaping of Memorial at West Lake Park -  Environmental Planning Section