Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Dennis Nybo (center) was joined by his family at the induction.
New Rockford's legacy of leadership has impacted yet another industry.
On Sept. 14, New Rockford Park District Director Dennis Nybo was inducted into the Hall of Fame for the North Dakota Recreation and Park Association (NDRPA).
Nybo may have only served the New Rockford Park District since 2019, but he has a combined 35 years of service in parks and recreation.
His many professional accomplishments and accommodations include being elected President of the NDRPA in 1999, and serving on the organization's board of directors in 2000.
Nybo was also awarded the organization's "Fellow Award" in 2003, earned a certificate of service from the Hershey's National Track and Field Program, and was a committee member for the World Curling Championships in 2002.
Nybo is also a National Recreation and Park Association gold medal award winner from 1993, and was a gold medal finalist in 1991, 1992 and 1999.
For a member to qualify for nomination to the NDRPA Hall of Fame, he or she must meet at least two of three requirements: 1) Have at least 20 years of service to parks and recreation in North Dakota, 2) be at least 50 years old, or 3) be retired. Nybo successfully met the first two requirements.
Next, a member must be nominated by current members of the hall of fame. Nybo was recommended by Randy Bina of Bismarck and Terry Wallace of Devils Lake, who were inducted in 2011 and 2019, respectively.
Finally, a candidate's nomination is judged based on two criteria, "a successful record of accomplishment in the parks and recreation field in North Dakota," and "active participation in the NDRPA."
"Each individual is unique and has different expectations of leisure opportunities," said New Rockford Park Board President Kristi Swenson. "For some it may be a park bench to enjoy nature and the world around them. And for others it means a more active role, such as swimming or playing baseball. Both are important needs that Nybo strives to meet for all community members and guests in our community."
Bob Gillen shared: "I did my Internship with the Bismarck Parks & Recreation District back in 1994, and Dennis took me under his wing. He helped get me active ... [in] many of my various volunteer positions in hockey plus parks and recreation ... His energy, optimism and passion are demonstrated daily."
Wallace noted, "Dennis is a passionate parks and recreation professional and has been very involved with NDRPA and the... profession. Dennis was very instrumental in the ND Hershey's Track & Field Program ... He is highly deserving of becoming a member of the NDRPA Hall of Fame."
Nybo is the 25th individual to be inducted into the NDRPA Hall of Fame. Tim Kuntz of Bismarck was also inducted Tuesday. The pair will join fellow inductees on the walls of the North Dakota Sports Hall of Fame at the Jamestown Civic Center, where NDRPA Hall of Fame members are recognized with plaques.
