The City of Hilliard Recreation and Parks Department has earned a third-place award for the Lifeguard Physical Education (P.E.) Credit Program from the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association (OPRA) in the Management Innovation category.
The Lifeguard P.E. Credit Program award recognizes the steps taken by Hilliard Recreation and Parks employees to allow Hilliard high school students to earn physical education credits for their lifeguard jobs.
For decades, organizations with aquatics across Ohio have attempted to create a Physical Education (P.E.) credit program with their respective school districts, facing rejection of the program each time it was proposed. In 2023, the City of Hilliard partnered with the YMCA of Central Ohio and the Hilliard City School District to break that barrier and achieve approval for a new Lifeguard P.E. Credit Program.
This program creates a lifelong impact and partnership that the City expects will grow each year and continue to encourage young people to understand the benefits of physical education, public service, and safety.
In all, 29 agencies were honored with OPRA awards. A panel of parks and recreation professionals from across Ohio judged submissions for the awards.
“These are the best of the best,” said OPRA Executive Director Woody Woodward. “This was a highly competitive process and the winners have gone above and beyond in improving the quality of life in their communities.”
