WHEATON, Md.– Montgomery Parks received top honors in marketing and communications, landscape design, and accessibility from the Maryland Recreation and Parks Association (MRPA) at its annual conference on April 22, 2026, in Cambridge, Maryland.
Awardees
Montgomery Parks received the Best Social Media award for the department’s Deer Vehicle Collision Awareness campaign, a series of public service announcements reminding drivers to be extra vigilant during the deer breeding season. Montgomery Parks’ marketing team put a creative spin on the message through “Tin‑deer” dating profiles, parody posters, “Love Island”–style content, and an original music video. The playful approach resonated with audiences, generating positive feedback and increasing engagement across social media platforms—while reinforcing the critical safety message of slowing down and staying vigilant on the roads.
Birding in Montgomery Parks won the Best Website award for its comprehensive and user-friendly approach to bird watching. As birding continues to grow in popularity, the webpage was designed to serve as a one-stop resource for park visitors of all experience levels. The webpage offers guidance on getting started with bird watching, highlights top birding locations throughout Montgomery Parks, introduces the department’s resident raptors, and provides links to upcoming birding-related classes and activities. More than 100 nominations were submitted across all marketing categories. Entries were judged on content, design, ease of use, and currency of information.
The new Viewing Platform at Brookside Gardens won the Landscape Site Award. The platform expands access to the Japanese-inspired Gude Garden with a fully ADA-accessible terrace and cantilevered deck overlooking the main pond. Designed to preserve the shoreline while offering expansive views, the project uses locally sourced Carderock stone, reclaimed materials, such as granite curbs, and durable Ipe wood to reflect sustainability and regional character while maintaining the Japanese style. Funded by a private donation and built through collaboration with local craftspeople and staff, the platform provides a beautiful inclusive, year-round destination for visitors to connect with nature.
Other MRPA Award winners
Therapeutic Recreation Branch Innovative Program Award: Adaptive Mountain Biking Clinic
Therapeutic Recreation Branch Committee Work of the Year: ADA and Inclusion Summit
MRPA Presidential Award: Jennene Blakely, program access manager, and Ashlyn Thompson, inclusion and community outreach specialist
MRPA Member of the Quarter: Jennene Blakely
Operations University Founder’s Award: Rachel Solomon, Montgomery Parks workforce diversity and outreach partner
About Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks manages 416 parks and more than 37,000 acres of parkland. Our parks, programs, and facilities promote physical activity, social connection, and environmental stewardship. As part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Montgomery Parks is committed to creating equitable, inclusive, and accessible park experiences. M-NCPPC has been stewarding public lands since 1927 and has been nationally recognized for its high-quality parks and recreation services.
Accessibility at Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Program Access Office at 301-495-2581 (Voice), MD Relay 7-1-1 or 800-552-7724 or ProgramAccess@MontgomeryParks.org to request a disability modification. Visit Montgomery Parks Program Access for more information.
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