Item 3C. Special Matters: 2026 Distinguished Volunteer Service Awards
Superintendent's Recommendation:
NO ACTION REQUIRED; THIS ACTION IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Prepared By: Sierra Spicer-Zimmerman, Donor Relations and Volunteer Supervisor and Rebecca Conser, Volunteer Resources Coordinator
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. This year's six Distinguished Volunteer Service Award recipients have contributed a combined total of 4,518 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 2026 Distinguished Volunteer Service Award recipients are:
- Margi Ambrose, Monticello: Natural Resources Monitor, Natural Resources Surveyor, Program Assistant - Eastman Nature Center and at District-Wide Events, Project Assistant - Prairie Seed Collection and District-Wide
- Trevor Chapple, Robbinsdale: Animal Care Assistant - Lowry Nature Center, Program Assistant - Lowry Nature Center, Gale Woods Farm, Mississippi Gateway Regional Park and Baker Outdoor Learning Center, Project Assistant - Lowry Nature Center and Gale Woods Farm
- Henry Finke, Brooklyn Park: Animal Care Assistant, Natural Resources Monitor, Program Assistant and Project Assistant - Mississippi Gateway Regional Park
- Mike Kennedy, Bloomington: Park Patrol - Regional Trails, Carver Park Reserve, Elm Creek Park Reserve, Hyland Park Reserve, Outdoor Recreation School and at District-Wide Events; Program Assistant - Outdoor Recreation School and at District-Wide Events, Project Assistant - Research
- Drew Schwab, St Paul: Ski Patrol - Elm Creek Park Reserve and Hyland Hills, Program Instructor - Hyland Hills
- Alisha Walden, Minneapolis: Animal Care Specialist - Richardson Nature Center, Natural Resources Monitor, Natural Resources Surveyor and Community Science - Lowry Nature Center; Natural Resources Monitor: Bluebirds - District-Wide
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 District. 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 16 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 3: Lead by Example
Attachments:
