H-GAC's 19th Annual Parks and Natural Areas Awards Now Accepting Applications

HOUSTON, TX  – The Houston-Galveston Area Council's 19th Annual Parks and Natural Areas Recognition Awards Program is now accepting applications. This program aims to honor outstanding practices in parks and natural areas in the 13-county region.

Recognition is given in four categories:

• Planning process and policy tools
• On-the-ground projects over $500,000
• On-the-ground projects under $500,000
• Programming

Applications must be submitted through the online application portal by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 30, 2024.

Since the program's inception in 2006, more than 277 projects have been recognized, representing over 760,000 acres of parks and natural areas, 1,800 miles of trails, and $1.9 billion in regional investments. Honorees serve as models for the H-GAC (Houston-Galveston Area Council) region, showcasing the positive impact of parks on water quality, habitat, and overall quality of life.

A panel of expert judges will review the applications, with the winners scheduled to be notified in December 2024 and honored in February 2025.

Please note: There is no funding associated with this recognition program.