Golden Bear Awards

Golden Bear Header

The California State Park and Recreation Commission (SPRC) relaunched the Golden Bear Awards program in 2019. The awards, presented annually, celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations.

 Learn more about this program by watching the video below!

Nomination Criteria

Nominee has, through their work for, with, or in support of the California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), demonstrated leadership and contributed significantly toward the Department's mission: to provide for the health, inspiration, and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.

Eligibility

Nominee is a past or present DPR employee, volunteer, partner organization, member of a partner organization, legislator, or member of the public who works for, with, or in support of the California Department of Parks and Recreation.

Award Categories

Each year, up to five awards will be presented, one in each of the following geographic categories:

  • Statewide
  • Central Division
  • Coastal Division
  • Northern Division
  • Desert Division

NOTE: You can submit a nomination form even if you don't know which category applies to your nominee.

Nomination Process

Submit nominations via the Golden Bear Award nomination form.

  • You can "Save and Return Later" if you need to complete the form at a later time.
  • A copy of the completed nomination form will be sent to your email address.
  • You can, but are not required to, submit up to three photos to support your nomination.

Award Schedule

The nomination window for the 2023 Golden Bear Awards is open until March 31, 2024. Recipients will be selected by the SPRC Golden Bear Award subcommittee and will be presented an award at the September 2024 meeting of the SPRC.

Please check this webpage for updates to the award schedule.