About

Theresa S. Brungardt Awards

Theresa S. Brungardt was a pioneer and outstanding leader of parks and recreation in Vermont. She began her career in 1917 when she joined the staff of the National Recreation Association during World War 1. She was Vermont's first state Director of Recreation, having been appointed by Governor Wills in 1943. She traveled tirelessly throughout Vermont to help communities with their recreation programs. Many of the community recreation departments today could trace their origins back to technical assistance and inspiration provided by Mrs. Brungardt. She was nationally recognized for her expertise and in 1952 was elected the first female president of the American Recreation Society. Her involvement continued after her retirement in 1964 when she was an active member of the Citizens Board Member Branch of NRPA. She was inducted into the NRPA Hall of Fame in 1997.

AWARD CATEGORIES: In any year, the Theresa S. Brungardt Award may be given in one, two, three, or none of the categories described below, depending on the number of nominations and whether or not the nominations meet the expected standards.

• PROFESSIONAL - Full-time leader, supervisor, administrator, manager, educator, planner, researcher, designer, or consultant who has made outstanding contributions to the recreation and/or park field. The candidate must have at least ten years' professional experience, three years serving in Vermont; and have made a contribution to the field over a period of time and not just a single occurrence. The area of contribution may include the following: leadership, job performance, education, research, innovative programming, public relations, or other area not defined.
• FRIEND OF RECREATION - A layman, board member, community or state leader, public official, or volunteer who has made outstanding, contributions to the recreation and/or park field. The individual must have demonstrated a continuing interest in some phase of recreation and/or park service, and exhibited a full measure of leadership in some project or area of service. The service must have been rendered over a period of at least two years.
• COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION OR AGENCY - A commercial, professional, private, governmental, or nonprofit organization or agency that has made outstanding contributions to the recreation and/or park field. The contributions may be for an outstanding program that has made a unique impact on its participants, a distinctive indoor or outdoor facility notable for its architectural character or functional use, outstanding interpretation of recreation and parks, or similar achievement.