Canton Leisure Services received special statewide recognition at the 2018 mParks Annual Conference and Trade Show, which was held earlier this month at the Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan. mParks, a statewide professional association for Michigan’s parks and recreation industry, honored Canton Leisure Services with two awards: ‘Innovative Programming Award’ for Canton’s Teen Leadership Xperience program, as well as a ‘Marketing Award for Best Graphic Design’ for the 2016 Canton Leisure Services Annual Report. In addition, Michigan State Representative Kristy Pagan received the ‘mParks State-Elected Official Award,’ as a result of a nomination submitted by Canton Leisure Services.
These annual mParks awards recognize parks and recreation professionals, agencies, advocates and legislators, who provide enriching and engaging experiences that support the state of Michigan’s recreation industry, which has long been an important economic driver by inspiring tourism, supporting jobs and improving health and wellness for residents and visitors.
"This statewide recognition is a great honor and we are incredibly pleased to receive these awards,” said Canton Leisure Services Director Greg Hohenberger. “Canton residents are fortunate to have access to these award-winning programs in our community, as well as year-round recreation opportunities, health and wellness classes and activities, fine arts and cultural programs, family-friendly community events and much more."
Canton Leisure Services Teen Leadership Xperience Camp was implemented through the B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen Center in 2017 to expose teens to potential careers in the parks and recreation industry. A group of nine teens were selected during the pilot program and were educated about the industry through interactive tours, engaging guest speakers and certification classes and exams. The Xperience gave teens an opportunity to interact with and foster relationships with community leaders and powerhouses in the field, offering unique insight to the industry. Lastly, the program inspired teens to get involved in their communities, make positive change, and recognize the benefits of pursuing a career in the field of Parks and Recreation. All nine Teen Xperience participants completed the curriculum with a new understanding of the benefits of community service, as well as an active lifestyle and the many benefits of parks.
Michigan State Representative Kristy Pagan represents the 21st House District and has long been an advocate and active supporter of Canton Leisure Services programs and initiatives. Most recently, Pagan has attended and presented at Canton’s annual Not In Our Town community event, which furthers the nation-wide movement to stop hate and build safe and inclusive communities with zero tolerance of bullying. In addition, Pagan has been a featured presenter during The B.L.O.C.K. Youth & Teen Centers’ Lead #LikeAGirl program, and annually invites participants to the Michigan State Capitol to be recognized on the house floor for their participation in this award-winning program. Canton Leisure Services nominated Representative Kristy Pagan for her commitment to the quality of life in her community, as well as for serving as an inspiring and positive role model for so many area youth. Representative Pagan will be recognized by the Canton Board of Trustees as a recipient of this mParks award and her support of Canton Township at a future board meeting.
mParks, a statewide professional association for Michigan’s parks and recreation agencies, is committed to educating and inspiring a diverse membership of 2,000+ parks and recreation professionals, agencies, advocates, and vendors. mParks also serves as the voice for the industry, promoting and advocating for parks and recreation as an invaluable resource for community, economy and public health. Learn more about mParks at www.mparks.org.
Canton Leisure Services has been accredited since 2004 by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA), which recognizes park and recreation agencies for excellence in operation and service. Currently, there are 165 CAPRA accredited agencies in the United States. Canton Leisure Services was also recognized as the 2008 winner of the National Recreation and Parks Association Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.
For more information about Canton’s award-winning programs and other Canton Leisure Services classes, programs and events, please visit www.cantonfun.org or call 734/394-5460.