New Professional Award presented to David Pratt

THE NEBRASKA RECREATION AND PARK ASSOCIATION recognizes the desirability of honoring its members, citizens, and organizations in the state that have rendered outstanding service to the park, recreation, and conservation movement. 

THIS DEDICATED PROFESSIONAL has been employed with the City of York and a member of NeRPA since 2022. It is my pleasure to present this award nomination for an outstanding professional who has truly transformed a good situation into something great. From our very first meeting, there was curiosity about whether this young professional would have what it takes to maintain and evaluate the work already being done. Any doubts quickly faded as he consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence and a vision for what could be achieved. 

Not only has he been proactive in advancing his education, skills, and abilities, but he has also applied these traits effectively within his department, turning it into one of the shining stars in the state of Nebraska. His dedication to his community is evident, and he takes great pride in his work. Beyond his professional duties, he enjoys staying active in the community he serves, participating in activities such as golf, softball, and kickball.

Though his career and membership in the organization are still in the early stages, it is clear that he is on a path to becoming a great leader. As a professional in the turf management industry, he is committed to ongoing development and growth, which will undoubtedly benefit the professionals and organizations he interacts with. Recently, he and his team took the initiative to meet with professionals from the City of Lincon, not only taking time out of their busy schedules to demonstrate equipment, but also going above and beyond by providing detailed explanations of how the equipment could be utilized in their community. 

This professional’s educational background includes a degree from Fort Hays Stat University. He is currently enhancing his expertise by pursing a Sports Turf Manager certificate. His dedication to his field is further demonstrated by his active membership in several industry associations, including the Sports Turf Managers Association, the Nebraska Turfgrass Association, and the Sports Field Management Association. 

In a leadership capacity, he serves as the direct supervisor of one full-time employee and oversees approximately 16 seasonal workers. His work history reflects significant responsibility; he was hired as the York Ballpark Complex Maintenance Supervisor in the summer of 2022, where he took charge of maintaining, coordinating, and staffing all maintenance aspects of the complex. By the fall of 2023, his role expanded to include the Soccer Complex, making him the Complexes Maintenance Supervisor, responsible for the upkeep and operations of two major facilities. 

Beyond his professional achievements, he is also an accomplished bowler and golfer, with a deep passion for broadcasting. His talent in broadcasting was recognized with elite awards during his time at Fort Hays State University.

Please join me in congratulating the York Parks & Recreation Complexes Maintenance Supervisor, David Pratt, on being honored with the NePRA New Professional Award.
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BECAUSE OF HIS PROFESSIONALISM, consistent outstanding job performance, and passion for the field of Parks and Recreation, the 2024 New Professional Award is given to David Pratt on this 19th day of September 2024.

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