Parks and Natural Areas Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The H-GAC Parks and Natural Areas Awards are a recognition program only. No funding is associated with this program. Applications are scored by a panel of volunteer experts. The top scoring project in each category receives a glass trophy. Other honorees receive a printed certificate. All honorees receive a digital badge they can use on their websites, social media, and printed materials to celebrate their award.

The deadline to submit an application for the 2026 H-GAC Parks and Natural Areas Awards is noon on Wednesday, September 30.

In the case of a weather event or other widespread issue, H-GAC may extend the deadline; otherwise, H-GAC does not accept applications after the deadline. The application portal is open during the application period. Applications may be saved and submitted any time during the application period.

The categories are:

• Planning/Policy Tools
• On-the-Ground Projects Small – Up to $250K
• On-the-Ground Projects Medium - $250K to $1M
• On-the-Ground Projects Large – Over $1M
• ​​Programming

​Examples of Projects by Categories:

Planning/Policy Tools

• Comprehensive Regional, Visioning, Master plans
• Natural Areas Studies
• Environmental Studies
• Planning and Design
• Public Involvement
• Land Use Policies
• Resolving Multi-use Conflicts
• Conservation Easements
• Protective Codes
• Deed Restrictions
• Acquisition
• Operations/Maintenances

​On-the-Ground Projects Small, Medium, and Large

• Completed projects
• Completed, usable phases of phased projects
• Preservation and/or Restoration of Natural Areas
• Neighborhood, Community, or Regional Parks
• Pocket Parks, Greenways, Hike and Bike Trails
• Interpretive Signage and Environmental Graphics
• Information and Educational Centers
• Multi-use of Detention Facilities
• ​Demonstration Gardens

Programming

• Education and Training
• Tree Plantings
• ​Special Environmental Education Events

Yes. However, be aware that judges will score all projects based on category requirements.

A project that is under construction but not fully completed should not apply in the “on-the-ground" categories. An exception is that a phased project may apply in the “on-the-ground" categories only for the complete, usable phase(s). The project should be entered in the size category (small, medium, or large) based on the completed phase(s), not the unfinished phase(s) of the project.

Yes. Programming projects’ scoring criteria include raising awareness or providing education on the importance of creating, preserving, or restoring natural areas or ecosystems OR improving or protecting the quality of local water bodies. Programming projects’ scoring criteria also consider raising awareness or providing education on the importance of improving the resiliency and sustainability for the area.

Applicants should review the handout and application guide, and submit their project in one category. Staff will review all applications before scoring and may recommend moving a project to a different category.

A project could apply for awards in multiple years – for example planning one year, built (phase[s] completed) in another year, and built (fully complete) in another year.

To avoid duplicate applications and make sure everyone involved in the park project is aware of the submission, we require the person or organization submitting the application to confirm that they have notified any partners or potential submitters of the intent to submit.  Please do not submit or encourage duplicate applications for the same project, even if it is in a different category.

Before January 1, 2027.

Honorees and elected officials will be invited. Depending on the room capacity and number of awardees, we may or may not limit the number of attendees.

Anyone can attend H-GAC Parks and Natural Areas Roundtable and Park Tour events. Visit the Meeting Materials page to see dates and registration information for upcoming events.

Join our mailing list to receive information about upcoming events and our annual awards program.