The City of Upper Arlington Parks and Recreation Department has been awarded third place in the Cultural Arts Events category by the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association (OPRA). The award was presented to staff at the annual OPRA Conference in Sandusky, Ohio and recognizes Upper Arlington’s excellence in cultural programming.

The OPRA Annual Awards of Excellence celebrate organizations across Ohio that go beyond everyday standards to enhance the quality of life in their communities. The Cultural Arts Events category honors programs and events of a cultural nature, including historical reenactments, celebrations, and fine arts initiatives.

The award was given in recognition of the department’s Stories of Resilience: Black History Journey Through the Arts, a Black History Month event in 2024 that highlighted the history, struggles, and triumphs of Black Americans through visual and performing arts.

Founded in 1963, OPRA is a nonprofit organization that serves more than 2,000 parks and recreation professionals throughout Ohio. The association provides advocacy, education, and networking opportunities to enhance the field of parks and recreation and improve the quality of life in Ohio communities.