Adam Lieb, Springfield's Director of Recreation since 2014, received the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association (NJRPA) Association Service Award at the organization's annual awards dinner on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, held at the Summit Family Aquatic Center. The award recognizes a member who reflects high professional values and has rendered contribution through outstanding service to the profession, distinctive service to the association, and/or conspicuous service to their constituency, on a national, state, or local level. Adam's award was introduced by David Guida, NJRPA Awards Program Chairman; and was presented by Leonard Celluro, Jr., NJRPA President.
For the past two years, Adam has served as the NJRPA Aquatics Section Chairman and a member of the NJRPA Board of Trustees. In the elected volunteer role, Adam coordinates professional development, networking, and certification opportunities; participates in meetings with state and local stakeholders; promotes aquatics safety and drowning prevention; and communicates aquatics news with members throughout New Jersey. In 2020, he co-edited "COVID-19 Aquatics Considerations for Planning" -- NJRPA's 20-page guidance document on opening aquatics facilities during the pandemic.
"It's an honor to be recognized by NJRPA," Adam said. "When I was brand new to the recreation profession, I did not have a lot of time to volunteer. I'm really glad that all these years later I have been able to give something back to NJRPA, especially during a challenging time for recreation and aquatics professionals. I'm thankful to my department staff, as well as municipal colleagues, township residents, and my family, for supporting the work I've done."
At the awards dinner, Adam (pictured, second from left), was joined by his department staff (from left) Chris Calimano, Recreation Program Coordinator; Brendan O'Reilly, Assistant Director of Recreation; and Christopher Petrucelli, former Recreation Program Coordinator.
About the NJRPA Awards Program
The purpose of the NJRPA Awards Program is to honor and identify dedicated leaders, employees, and volunteers in the field of parks and recreation, and to recognize the state’s outstanding parks and recreation agencies for excellence in programming, publicity, and facility design. The NJRPA Awards Program focuses state and local attention on the achievement of parks and recreation agencies, recognizes the continuing efforts of staff and volunteers, and acknowledges support extended by member agencies.
About NJRPA
NJRPA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting parks and recreation; enhancing the professional development of its members; advocating sound policy and stewardship related to parks, recreation, resource management, and leisure services; and increasing awareness of the value of play and preservation of the environment to interested citizens and the public.
