Item 3B. Special Matters: 2025 Distinguished Volunteer Service Awards
Superintendent's Recommendation:
NO ACTION REQUIRED.
Prepared By: Sierra Spicer-Zimmerman, Donor Relations and Volunteer Supervisor; Katie Brom and Rebecca Conser, Volunteer Resources Coordinators
Background:
The Distinguished Volunteer Service Award Program is designed to recognize outstanding Three Rivers Park District volunteers. These recipients stand out because of their volunteer efforts during the past year and throughout the total period of their volunteer service. They represent the diverse areas in which volunteers support the Park District.
Each year, we recognize the award recipients during the April Board meeting, as April is National Volunteer Month and National Volunteer Recognition Week is April 20-26, 2025. This year’s six Distinguished Volunteer Service Award recipients have contributed a combined total of 6,747 hours of volunteer service to the Park District.
Each honoree will receive a framed certificate with a photo and the recipient's names are engraved on a permanent plaque displayed in the Administrative Center. Recipients also receive an invitation to have a coffee meeting with an Associate Superintendent or Director of their choosing.
The 2025 Distinguished Volunteer Service Award recipients to be recognized are:
- Tom Anderson - Corcoran: Prairie Seed Collection Project Assistant and Leader; Program Assistant-Events
- Greg Doss - Brooklyn Park: Park Patrol at Mississippi Gateway, Elm Creek, Silverwood, Regional Trails, Outdoor Recreation School; Program Assistant at Mississippi Gateway, Eastman Nature Center, Silverwood, Outdoor Recreation School; Natural Resources Surveyor at Eastman Nature Center
- Laura Feierabend- Maple Grove: Program Assistant at Eastman Nature Center; Project Assistant at Eastman Nature Center; Prairie Seed Collection Project Assistant
- Anna Garritano - Minnetrista: Program Assistant at Gale Woods Farm; Animal Care Assistant at Gale Woods Farm
- Dawn Peterson - Golden Valley: Prairie Seed Collection Project Assistant and Leader; Natural Resources Bluebird Monitor; Natural Resources Surveyor; Park Patrol at Crow-Hassan, French, Mississippi Gateway, District Events, Outdoor Recreation School, Regional Trails; Natural Resources Monitor at Mississippi Gateway, Eastman Nature Center; Program Assistant at Mississippi Gateway, Silverwood, Outdoor Recreation School, District Events; Project Assistant at Richardson Nature Center, Research, Mississippi Gateway, Volunteer Office; Invasive Species Project Assistant at Richardson Nature Center; Natural Resources Project Specialist
- Jeff Siewert - Plymouth: Ski Patrol at Hyland Hills, Elm Creek; Program Instructor at Hyland Hills
Award recipients are nominated by staff, volunteers and the public. A selection committee comprised of Three Rivers employees and volunteers select the award recipients based on their contributions to the Park Districts. This year’s selection committee members included:
- Kent Holmes, Volunteer and 2023 Distinguished Volunteer Service Award recipient
- Heather Christensen, Park Service Supervisor
- Mary Morris, Interpretive Naturalist at Baker Outdoor Learning Center
- Meg Duhr, Natural Resources Supervisor-Invasive Species
- Tom Knisely, Media Relations Coordinator
- Becca Conser, Volunteer Resources Coordinator
The Special Notice that will be posted regarding the reception starting at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 17 for volunteer award recipients and their families is attached.
Relationship to the System Plan:
The Request for Action supports the following goal(s) of the System Plan:
Goal 1: You Belong Here
Goal 2: Parks Matter
Attachments:
