The Ohio Parks and Recreation Association (OPRA) announced its 2023 Annual Awards of Excellence winners. Stark Parks received a 2nd place award in the Historical and Cultural Arts category for the Kinder Concert: MusiCall of the Wild program.
Over eight years ago, Stark Parks and the Canton Symphony Orchestra partnered to bring live music to new and diverse natural settings around Stark County. In 2023, the partnership evolved to create the Kinder Concert: MusiCall of the Wild program, which provided opportunities for community members to enjoy the unique combination of the arts and nature. The program taught people of all ages about types of instruments, the sounds they make, how that sound is produced, and how they compare to the same aspects of the animals in their local parks. The Kinder Concert: MusiCall of the Wild performances, which impacted nearly 2,000 community members in various settings, were the result of the collaboration of two innovative and resourceful organizations.
The OPRA Annual Awards of Excellence will be presented at a banquet hosted by the association on February 6, 2024 at the Kalahari Convention Center in Sandusky, Ohio.
“Parks and recreation professionals throughout Ohio work every day to improve the quality of life of the people they serve,” said OPRA Executive Director Woody Woodward. “This effort is a shining example of that kind of work, and we are pleased to be able to present this award.”
The awards are judged by a panel of parks and recreation professionals from around Ohio.
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About Stark Parks
Stark Parks manages 15 parks, 4 lakes, and over 120 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, totaling over 6,800 acres of land. For more information on Stark Parks, visit StarkParks.com.
About Ohio Parks and Recreation Association
Incorporated in 1963, OPRA is a non-profit, public interest organization representing over 2000 professionals and citizen board members striving to provide quality parks and recreation facilities and opportunities for all Ohioans while protecting and preserving Ohio’s natural resources, positively impacting local economies and health and wellness of its citizens.
About Canton Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1937, the Canton Symphony Orchestra is a fully professional ensemble and organization dedicated to performing concerts that enrich, educate and entertain residents of Stark County and beyond. The orchestra performs classical, holiday, casual, and a variety of educational programs in Umstattd Performing Arts Hall, adjacent to the Zimmermann Symphony Center (2323 17th Street NW) in Canton, Ohio, as well as other venues in Stark County. For more upcoming events, news, and information, visit www.cantonsymphony.org.
MEDIA CONTACT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Angela Palomba, Community Engagement Manager
apalomba@starkparks.com, 330-477-3552