Texas State Park Resources

2023 TEXANS FOR STATE PARKS ANNUAL CONFERENCE & AWARDS PROGRAM

The Texans for State Parks Annual Conference of the members is held each year for the transaction of the group’s business. The meeting is open to all members and non-members are also invited to attend.
The annual conference provides an opportunity to help keep members and other park supporters informed about issues affecting the state park system and to have an opportunity to get involved and make a difference. It also provides an opportunity for members and interested persons to network with others working in support of the parks.
The conference begins Friday evening when members have the opportunity for presentations to show off their work in their parks and continue Saturday with the State of State Parks by State Park Division officials, presentation of Special Recognition Awards, and informative programs for partner groups. And, just for fun, a Silent Auction with special items has recently been added to the program.
The conferences are held in various areas of the state each year to make it more accessible for members and park supporters around the state.

2023 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

2023 TEXANS FOR STATE PARKS ANNUAL CONFERENCE & AWARDS PROGRAM

February 3-4, 2023

McKinney Falls State Park, Austin, TX

Hosted by Friends of McKinney Falls State Park

The 2023 Conference will be held at the McKinney Falls Dining Hall.  Limited campsites may be available for registrants. For information about overnight accommodations contact Linda Evans, [email protected], or phone 512.444.8079.

Watch for more details about reservations and the program as they are available throughout the months ahead.

For additional information and photos see

https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/McKinney Falls State Park/

 

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM

OUTSTANDING AWARDS PROGRAM

Texans for State Parks has developed an Awards Program to positively recognize persons for their exemplary service to our State Parks. The presentation of the awards will coincide with the Texans for State Parks Annual Conference each year.
Beginning this year, 2022, awards will be presented in four categories in each of the six (6) Texas State Parks Regional Areas. The four categories will be Outstanding Superintendent, Outstanding Staff Member, Outstanding Volunteer, Outstanding Friends Group. Nominations may be submitted by the general public, the State Park Staffs, or the Friends Group members. For any nomination to be considered, it will have to be submitted through the Texans for State Parks Website using the format provided. Good park communication will avoid duplication of nominations.
The nomination committee will present a list of those nominated to each of the regional directors for their review. Those nominated from each region will be voted on by the nomination committee to determine the final four awards in each region. The final results will be presented by the nominations committee to the President and full board of directors. A winner cannot be nominated again for five years. Nominations will open on October 17, 2022, and close on January 03, 2023
Nomination forms may be found on the pages below.

Outstanding Superintendent:

Please write a descriptive narrative of 2000 characters (~500 words) or less describing why you are nominating this Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent for the Outstanding Superintendent Award. You may give examples using any or all of the suggestions below to support your nomination.

    Please write a descriptive narrative of 2000 characters (~500 words) or less describing why you are nominating this Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent for the Outstanding Superintendent Award. You may give examples using any or all of the suggestions below to support your nomination.

    1. What has the nominee done to improve teamwork and the staff work environment of their park?

    2. How has the nominee implemented or furthered the Texas State Parks mission in this park?

    3. How has the nominee provided leadership to the staff when the park has faced challenges or adversity?

    4. What improvements have occurred under the nominee’s leadership?

    5. Provide examples of the nominee’s work with the local community, partners, local businesses, or other external groups to promote the park and its mission.

    Outstanding Staff Member:

    Please write a descriptive narrative of 2000 characters (~500 words) or less describing why you are nominating your Staff Member for the Outstanding Staff Member Award. You may use examples of any or all of the statements below to support your nomination.

      Please write a descriptive narrative of 2000 characters (~500 words) or less describing why you are nominating your Staff Member for the Outstanding Staff Member Award. You may use examples of any or all of the statements below to support your nomination.

      1. Shows confidence in performing tasks.

      2. Is able to positively interact with other staff members and the public during programs and events, encourages the participation of children, families, and school groups in park activities.

      3. Shows an ability to be resourceful and manage time well.

      4. Demonstrates in their work and ability to be a team member, and is supportive of other staff members.

      5. Demonstrates good problem solving skills.

      6. Addresses conflict in an open positive manner to solve the problem.

      7. How do they interact with the public (give specific examples)

      Outstanding Volunteer Award:

      Please write a descriptive narrative of 2000 characters (~500 words) or less describing why you are nominating an individual for the Outstanding Volunteer Award. You may give examples using any or all of the suggestions below to support your nomination.

        Please write a descriptive narrative of 2000 characters (~500 words) or less describing why you are nominating an individual for the Outstanding Volunteer Award. You may give examples using any or all of the suggestions below to support your nomination.

        1. What skills, qualities, or personal traits make this individual stand out from other volunteers at this park?

        2. Distinguishes themselves with their outstanding participation and dedication during the year.

        3. How does this volunteer’s efforts impact the park or its visitors?

        4. Supports the park to create positive public involvement for future stewards of the park.

        5. Promotes the Park Friends Program in their efforts to increase membership,participation, and involvement in their Park Friends group.

        6. Assists in developing events that will inspire the public to learn more about the outdoors while enjoying outdoor activities and festivities.

        Outstanding Friends Group:

        Please write a descriptive narrative of 2000 characters (~500 words) or less describing why you would like to nominate your Friends Group for the Outstanding Friends Group Award. You may give examples using any or all of the suggestions below to support your nomination.

          Please write a descriptive narrative of 2000 characters (~500 words) or less
          describing why you would like to nominate your Friends Group for the
          Distinguished Friends Group Award. You may use any of the below suggestions
          to support your nomination.

          1. Continually works to provide programs that protect the park’s natural and cultural
            resources for future generations.

          2. Through programs and events, encourages the participation of children, families, and
            school groups in park activities and creates future stewards of the park.

          3. Promotes increased membership and participation in the Park Friends Program.

          4. Supports the park’s needs and develops programs to meet those needs.

          5. Works to increase park usage by diverse groups.

          6. Finds creative solutions to long-standing problems facing the park.