Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association 2025 Awards

The Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association’s Awards Committee is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 WPRA Awards. We want to thank the members who took the time to nominate such an outstanding group of nominees!

Professional Award of Merit
Shelly Strasser
West Allis-West Milwaukee Recreation & Community Services Department

George Wilson Service Award
Andrew Rossa
Milwaukee Recreation

Emerging Professional of the Year
Sam Frederickson
DeForest Parks and Recreation

Fellowship Award
Greg Zeman
West Allis-West Milwaukee Recreation & Community Services Department

Elected Official Award
Mary Kardoskee
Village President
Village of Ashwaubenon

Partnership Award
The Sholvemen and The David L & Rita E Nelson Family Fund

Aquatics Section

Outstanding Aquatic Professional of the Year
Deb Bossingham
Verona Area School District

Facility Design/Renovation
Regner Beach Swim Experience
City of West Bend Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department

Park Section

Outstanding Park Professional of The Year
Kevin Wiesmann
Jefferson County Parks

Park Design Under $250,000
McCarthy Youth and Conservation County Playground
Dane County Parks

Park Design $250,000 - $499,999
Vista Run Park - New Conservation Development Park
Village of Sussex

Park Design $500,000 - $999,999
All-Abilities Playground at Lunda Community 
City of Black River Falls and Recreation

Park Design $1,000,000 - $3,000,000
All-Inclusive Playground and Garrison's Splash Pad
Pewaukee Parks and Recreation

Park Design Over $3,000,000
Culver Community Park
Sauk Prairie Recreation Department

Recreation Section

Outstanding Recreation Professional of the Year
Brooke Franseen
Clinton Community School District

Silver Star Awards

Youth Programming
Kindermarket
West Allis-West Milwaukee Recreation & Community Services Department

Adult/Older Adult Programming
Women & Gender Minorities Chainsaw Trainings & Workdays
Dane County Parks

Creative Service Delivery/Marketing
Culpepper & Merriweather Circus
Clinton Community School District

Special Events
1st Annual Verona Area Kids Triathlon
Verona Area School District

A sincere CONGRATULATIONS to all of the outstanding nominees and to the 2025 WPRA award recipients who will be honored on Thursday, February 5th, 2026 at our Annual Awards Banquet!