2025 WVRPA Award Winners

Congratulations to all of our 2025 WVRPA Award winners for your outstanding achievements, dedication, and contributions to parks and recreation across West Virginia! We encourage everyone to start thinking now about submitting your accomplishments for possible award recognition at the 2026 WVRPA Conference. 

Winners - We are proud to announce the co-winners of the James L. McClelland Public Parks and Recreation Facility Award: the Medbrook Children's Charity Inclusive Playground Project by Bridgeport Parks & Recreation and the Central Terrace Building Gazebo by Marion County Parks and Recreation. This award honors exceptional park and recreation spaces that demonstrate excellence in design, creativity, environmental adaptability, and community impact. Both projects exemplify innovative planning, functional design, and meaningful collaboration, creating spaces that enrich their communities and inspire connection. 

Winner - Chestnut Ridge Park Tubing Hill & Concert Amphitheater by Monongalia County Parks & Recreation — This award recognizes facilities that serve a large portion of their community with exceptional design, aesthetic appeal, and impactful programming. In operation for more than a year, this facility continues to provide outstanding recreational opportunities and experiences for visitors across the region. 

Jim Ramey of Jefferson County Parks and Recreation has been named the winner of the Richard P. Sebastian Leadership Award. This prestigious honor recognizes young professionals under 30 who demonstrate exceptional ambition, creativity, and dedication to the field of recreation. Jim’s hard work, cooperative spirit, and unwavering commitment to serving his community embody the very qualities this award celebrates. 

Winner - We are honored to announce that Carl “Billy” Roop, Delegate for District 44 in the West Virginia House of Delegates, has been selected as the recipient of the Legislative Award. This award recognizes legislators who demonstrate a strong understanding of the importance of quality leisure services and a steadfast commitment to supporting parks and recreation across the state. Delegate Roop’s advocacy and dedication have made a lasting impact on enhancing recreational opportunities for West Virginians.