The Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department takes pride in the recreational programs, special events and facilities that are provided for the enjoyment of the public.  Over the years the department has received numerous awards in recognition of excellence and outstanding efforts in delivering quality programs and facilities.

Department Awards

2011  Recipient of the George S. Mickelson Great Service Award presented by the South Dakota Department of Tourism in recognition of outstanding customer service at Wylie Park.

The Governor’s Award for outstanding support of the Arts by an organization was  presented to the Aberdeen Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department in honor of their long-term commitment to providing programming and facilities in the arts for the people of Aberdeen and the surrounding area.  The department’s art programs were recognized as a model of creative thinking and cooperation used to foster community-wide appreciation and participation in the arts.

Aberdeen Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department established the first Aberdeen Recreation and Cultural Center (the ARCC) in 1976.  The ARCC has become the center for arts programming in the Aberdeen area, and now provides over 600 programs led by more than one hundred local and regional professionals in the arts and humanities.  These programs encompass visual arts, folk arts, dance, music, theatre and literature and annually reach over 45,000 people of all ages.

2009    Recipient of the South Dakota Parks & Recreation Association Facility Design and Development Award in recognition of excellence in the construction of the Aberdeen Aquatic Center.

2008    Recipient of the "Dorothy Mullen Arts and Humanities" Award in recognition of the ARCC Dance Program.  Presented by the National Recreation and Park Association.

2007    Recipient of the STAR (Students Taking Active Responsibility) Award from the Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce in recognition of outstanding service to the community by a student group.

2007    Recipient of the “Midwest Regional Arts and Humanities” Award in recognition of the ARCC Dance Program.  Presented by the Midwest Regional Council of the National Recreation and Park Association.

2004    Wylie Park named No. 2 of the Nation’s Top 10 Lawns for Family Fun by Briggs and Stratton.

2000    Recipient of Hershey’s Track and Field Outstanding local program award presented by South Dakota Parks & Recreation Association in recognition of commitment and dedication to youth in the community.

1997    Recipient of Best of South Dakota Award for Storybook Land being recognized as best tourist attraction for children by readers of Eyes on You magazine.

1995    Recipient of the Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce “People’s Choice” Abby Award for outstanding achievement in the pursuit of business performance, excellence and local customer satisfaction within the community.

1994    Recipient of the National “Dorothy Mullen Arts and Humanities” Award in recognition of the Youth Heritage Arts Festival.  Presented by the National Recreation and Park Association.

1994     Recipients of the National “Midwest Regional Arts and Humanities” Award in recognition of the Youth Heritage Arts Festival. Presented by the Midwest Regional Council of the National Recreation and Park Association.

1993    Recipient of the “Infrastructure Award” in recognition of outstanding accomplishment in infrastructure improvements at Wylie Park.  Presented by the American City and County Magazine.

1993    Recipient of the “Friends of the Arts” Award for outstanding contributions to support and promote the arts.  Presented by the Aberdeen Area Arts Council.

1992    Recipient of the “Citation Award” in recognition of outstanding achievements in recreation and therapeutic programming.  Presented by the South Dakota Parks and Recreation Association.

1991    Recipient of the “Professional Grounds Maintenance” Grand Award in recognition of the professional accomplishment and excellence in grounds care at Storybook Land.  Presented by the Professional Grounds Maintenance Society.

1990    Recipient of the National “Dorothy Mullen Arts and Humanities” Award in recognition of the Storybook Land Theatre Company.  Presented by the National Recreation and Park Association.

1990    Recipient of the “Midwest Regional Arts and Humanities” Award in recognition of the Storybook Land Theatre Company.  Presented by the National Recreation and Park Association.

1989    Recipient of the “Award of Achievement” in recognition of the Coaching Certification Program.  Presented by the National Youth Sports Coaching Association.

1985    Recipient of the “Midwest Regional Arts and Humanities” Award in recognition of the Performing Arts Camp.  Presented by the Midwest Regional Council of the National Recreation and Park Association.

1982     Recipient of the “Friends of the Arts” Award for outstanding contributions to support and promote the arts. Presented by the Aberdeen Area Arts Council.

1980-2010         Recipient of the “Tree City U.S.A.” designation.  Presented by the National Arbor Day.