2023

Christopher Wiles was awarded the Guardian Award in 2023.

First, he had a vision. Then came his idea on how to realize it.

Chris Wiles’ vision was a Syracuse whose parks and green spaces were plentiful, inviting and diverse. His idea was to form an organization to work with and support the City’s Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs in making the vision a reality. That organization is the Syracuse Parks Conservancy. Now in its fifteenth year, the Conservancy, under Chris’ steadfast leadership and inspiration, has harnessed the energy and resources of numerous civic-minded individuals and institutions to protect, maintain and enhance Syracuse’s oases of nature in its heavily urban environment.

Now, Therefore, in recognition of his long-term efforts to create parks and green spaces second to none, and in doing so making Syracuse a more welcoming community, the Syracuse Parks Conservancy hereby presents its 2023 Guardian Award to Christopher Wiles in deep appreciation of his steadfast dedication to the City, its citizens and visitors.

2022

Julie LaFave was awarded the Guardian Award in 2022.

Combining an infectious community spirit and a tireless work ethic with deft management skills and a creative bent, Julie LaFave has led the Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs for the past several years. Under her leadership, the City’s parks and green spaces have been rejuvenated, becoming alluring destinations for Syracuse’s residents and visitors. Under her leadership, recreational activities, along with programs for participants of all ages, flourished. And under her leadership, thoughtful collaboration with various organizations, including the Syracuse Parks Conservancy, has enriched the services and facilities the Department has been able to afford its constituents. 

Now, Therefore, in recognition of her diverse contributions to making the City of Syracuse a more vibrant, beautiful and welcoming community, the Syracuse Parks Conservancy hereby presents its 2022 Guardian Award to Julie LaFave, Commissioner of the Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth programs in deep appreciation of her unwavering commitment to the City’s parks and green spaces.

2020

In 2020 the Guardian Award went to Syracuse City Department of Parks and Dennis McGraw.

2019

The 2019 Guardian Award was presented to Mike Behnke and the Westmoreland Community Center Advocacy Group.

2017

Members of the Syracuse Rose Society and Thornden Park Association member Miranda Hine received the Syracuse Parks Conservancy’s Guardian Award, which is given annual to an individual or organization that has shown exception commitment, vision, leadership and dedication to promoting and preserving the beauty of the parks and green spaces in Syracuse. Award ceremonies were on February 14, 2017 at City Hall.

Miranda Hine is cited for her efforts at maintaining some of the garden areas in the park, specifically the Lily Pond and the Madison Street entrance. Ms. Hine has also been instrumental in rallying volunteers together from the community and Syracuse University for various clean-ups over the years.

Every Wednesday morning, from April to early November, members of the Syracuse Rose Society tend to the E.M. Mills Memorial Rose Garden at Thornden Park – weeding, pruning, mulching. Their commitment is generations old, and their work has allowed the Garden to be nationally recognized and the backdrop to thousands of weddings over the years. Founded in 1911, the Syracuse Rose Society is the oldest rose society in continuous existence in the U.S. affiliated with the American Rose Society and the Canadian Rose Society.

2015-2016

The 2015-2016 Guardian Award was presented to Chad Norton of Websters Pond.

2013-2014

Barbara and Ron Hoffman helped with the plantings in the Outer Comstock Neighborhood for many years, and really stepped up to the plate after the untimely passing of SPC Board member Martin Sage.

They helped by digging up the planter, planting flowers and perennials in the traffic triangle at Comstock at East Colvin St, planting in the planter at Comfort Tyler Park, and mulching and weeding these areas and underneath our four welcoming signs.

The work could not have been done without them.

2012

The Expeditionary Learning Middle School in the Valley neighborhood of Syracuse was selected to receive the fourth annual Guardian Award in the Parks category by a January ballot of the Syracuse Parks Conservancy (SPC) Trustees. Also city residents Christopher Ennis & Louis DiBerardino of Shotwell Park have been selected for the Guardian Award for 2012 in the Green Spaces category.

2011

Guardian Awards for 2011 were presented to Gia Oppedisano in the Parks category and to Dave Kirby in the Greenspaces category.

Gia, a 10 year old middle school student undergoing chemotherapy, has planted a number of white pine saplings in Sunnycrest Park.

Dave, a retired high school teacher, was instrumental in planting and maintaining flower beds on the endcaps along Meadowbrook Drive.

2009

The Syracuse Parks Conservancy (SPC) presented Honorable Mayor Matthew J. Driscoll with the Guardian Award at a ceremony held in the Mayor’s office on December 16, 2009. This award is given to an individual or organization that has shown exceptional commitment, vision, leadership and dedication to promoting and preserving the beauty of parks and green spaces.