Vermont Adaptive recently received the Theresa S. Brungardt Award for outstanding service as an organization to recreation and parks in Vermont, presented to us at the 78th Annual Vermont Conference on Recreation. The award is in honor of Brungardt, who was a pioneer and outstanding leader of parks and recreation in Vermont. Long-time Vermont Adaptive volunteer Janice Lange was also on hand to receive the Friend Award for her dedication to the state’s recreational opportunities.

Brungardt began her career in 1917 when she joined the staff of the National Recreation Association during World War 1. She was Vermont’s first state Director of Recreation, having been appointed by Governor Wills in 1943. She traveled tirelessly throughout Vermont to help communities with their recreation programs. Many of the community recreation departments today could trace their origins back to technical assistance and inspiration provided by Mrs. Brungardt. She was nationally recognized for her expertise and in 1952 was elected the first female president of the American Recreation Society. Her involvement continued after her retirement in 1964 when she was an active member of the Citizens Board Member Branch of NRPA. She was inducted into the NRPA Hall of Fame in 1997.

Thank you to the awards committee and members of the Vermont Recreation & Parks Association for this award. Here’s to many more years of outdoor play and recreation for everyBODY.