All Heart Parks Advocate of the Year Award - Seeking Nominations
The City of Bristol is celebrating its third All Heart Parks Advocate of the Year Award. Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu, the Department of Parks, Recreation, Youth & Community Services, and the Board of Park Commissioners will be recognizing a volunteer(s) in the community that has made significant contributions to improving the quality of the Bristol park system. The award recipient will be honored at the Board of Park Commissioners Meeting on May 20, 2026 at Bristol City Hall (Nominators are welcomed and encouraged to attend).
CRITERIA:
Nominees for the All Heart Parks Advocate of the Year Award must meet the following criteria to be selected:
- An advocate, volunteer, or unpaid official
- An individual shall demonstrate outstanding contributions to parks and recreation in the form of land, money, services, equipment, in-kind labor or other relevant forms of donation or assistance rendered
- An individual that has received financial compensation for services rendered (i.e. employee, vendor) shall not be eligible
- Active commissioners and current elected city officials may not be considered for the award. Past commissioners and city officials may be considered
Preference shall be given to Bristol residents when applicant credentials are equal, but non-residents that meet the other qualifications may be considered.
The deadline for nominations is March 31, 2026.
Nominations can be mailed to:
Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services
Attention: All Heart Parks Advocate Award
51 High Street
Bristol, CT 06010
Emailed nominations can be sent to:
Erica Benoit, Community Engagement Coordinator - Ericabenoit@bristolct.gov
Subject Line: All Heart Parks Advocate Award
The award recipient will be notified of their selection by April 21, 2025.
For additional information contact the Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services office at (860) 584-6160.
History - All Heart Parks Advocate of the Year Award
2025 - Brian Avery, American Legion Post 209
2024 - Scott Heth, Environmental Learning Centers of Connecticut
2023 - Ellen Zoppo-Sassu, Former City of Bristol Mayor (2017 - 2021) and current sitting City of Bristol Mayor (2025 - 2027)