Congratulations to our 2025 Inspiration Award winners! (L to R) John Pappas, Sidney Marcus Park; JoAnna Powell, Lillian Cooper Shepherd Park; Bobbie Spiller, Chosewood Park; Priscilla Davenport, N.H. Scott Park; David Lloyd Davis, Cascade Springs Nature Preserve.
The nomination period has closed for the 2026 Inspiration Awards.
Park Pride’s Annual Inspiration Awards honor leaders (including community individuals or governmental representatives) who:
- inspire others to expand and improve public parks and greenspaces,
- work to raise awareness about critical, system-wide park issues,
- and demonstrate a profound commitment to strengthening the connection between parks and their surrounding community.
Nomination Criteria
The Inspiration Awards nominees are assessed by the following criteria*:
- Leadership qualities
- Depth of commitment
- Demonstrated impact
- Dedication to community
*The award will recognize individual volunteers — people who are not paid for their work — representing a diverse mix of community leaders across Park Pride’s service area, which includes the City of Atlanta, unincorporated DeKalb County, and the City of Brookhaven. Multiple submissions for a single candidate are welcome.
*Click here for a list of previous Inspiration Award winners.