Zach Stewart Of Sheridan Rec District Recognized By WRPA

Zach Stewart has been named the recipient of the 2026 Wyoming Recreation and Park Association (WRPA) Fellow Award, recognizing his sustained commitment to the parks and recreation profession, service to WRPA, and leadership within the association.

The WRPA Fellow Award recognizes a professional who has demonstrated long-term commitment to the recreation profession, leadership, service to the association, and a genuine desire to strengthen parks and recreation in Wyoming.

Stewart was recognized for his years of service to WRPA, continued professional growth, and dedication to supporting his fellow recreation professionals.

Stewart became a member of WRPA in 2018 after joining the Sheridan Recreation District.

He served as the Sports/Programming Chair from 2019 through 2023 and has served as WRPA Treasurer since 2020.

In 2021, his contributions to the profession were recognized when he received the WRPA Outstanding Professional Award.

“Serving as treasurer for an organization like WRPA requires a tremendous amount of behind-the-scenes work and a willingness to take on responsibilities that often go unnoticed,” said Darla Cotton, who nominated Stewart for the award. “Zach has continued to give his time and talents to the association year after year.”

Stewart has also continued to grow professionally throughout his career.

Beginning with the Sheridan Recreation District as Recreation Program Supervisor in 2018, he has advanced to Recreation Manager.

He has further demonstrated his commitment to the profession by earning his Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification and maintaining membership in the National Recreation and Park Association.

“He is always asking questions, talking with other professionals about how they approach challenges, and looking for ideas that he can take home and use to improve programs and services in his own community,” Cotton said. “That willingness to learn from others—and to share knowledge in return—is exactly what a professional association like WRPA is all about.”

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Cotton said Stewart brings qualities that strengthen the association and the profession as a whole.

“He is down-to-earth, easygoing, dependable, and willing to help,” Cotton said. “He has a way of making people feel comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas, and getting involved. I believe he is a great role model, particularly for young professionals beginning their careers in parks and recreation.”

Through eight years of involvement with WRPA, Stewart has continued to contribute his time, experience, and leadership to the association while building his career in parks and recreation.

The Wyoming Recreation and Park Association congratulates Zach Stewart on receiving the 2026 Fellow Award and recognizes his continued commitment to strengthening the parks and recreation profession throughout Wyoming.

About the Wyoming Recreation and Park Association

The Wyoming Recreation and Park Association (WRPA) is a professional organization dedicated to supporting parks, recreation, and community services throughout Wyoming through education, advocacy, professional development, and networking.