The Ohio Parks and Recreation Association (OPRA) has announced its 2025 Annual Awards of Excellence, and the Centerville-Washington Park District (CWPD) has been honored with a first-place award in the Natural Resources and Conservation category for Project VIPR: Volunteer Invasive Plant Response.
Project VIPR is CWPD’s innovative community-powered approach to invasive plant management. Through hands-on removal of invasive species like honeysuckle, buckthorn and garlic mustard, VIPR restores biodiversity while reducing pesticide use and protecting wildlife. What began with CWPD volunteer Jeff McPherson has quickly grown into a movement. Led by McPherson, the group has logged more than 600 hours and addressed 96% of CWPD’s targeted areas in Bill Yeck Park, a 194-acre nature park.
Events, partnerships and weekly meet-ups bring families, students and community groups together to learn, work and celebrate the value of native species. This spring, Sinclair College’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Mission Planning class joined the effort to identify honeysuckle hotspots and further guide volunteer restoration efforts.
By combining expert guidance with citizen stewardship, Project VIPR strengthens ecological health, protects native habitats and builds a more engaged and conservation-minded community.
“Our volunteers are the heart of this effort,” said Kristen Marks, CWPD Executive Director. “Project VIPR proves what can happen when passionate community members join forces with park staff to protect local ecosystems. This award is truly a recognition of their dedication.”
To get involved with Project VIPR, visit cwpd.org/support/volunteer/ or contact the Centerville-Washington Park District at 937-433-5155 for more information. Individual and group volunteer opportunities are available.
The OPRA Annual Awards of Excellence will be presented at a banquet on February 3, 2026, at the Kalahari Convention Center in Sandusky, Ohio. One first-place award winner will be selected to receive the 2025 Governor’s Award for Parks and Recreation, a distinguished “best-in-show” honor that includes a $500 contribution to the winner’s parks and recreation foundation.
“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 commitment, and we are pleased to be able to present this award.”
Media inquiries? Please contact Carrie Dittman, Marketing & Communications Manager, at 937-433-5155.