HomeMy WebLinkAboutNicole Gorman AwardContact: Kaitlin Gault, Digital Communications Coordinator
Phone 952-826-0396 • kgault@EdinaMN.gov • EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gorman Recognized with Dorothea Nelson Award
Edina, Minn., Jan. 8, 2021 – Recreation Supervisor Nicole Gorman was recently recognized for her accomplishments in the parks and recreation field, earning the Dorothea Nelson Award
from the Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association (MRPA).
The Dorothea Nelson Award recognizes a female member of the MRPA with at least 10 years of professional experience and who has made a significant impact in the parks and recreation industry.
Gorman has been drawn to parks and recreation from the beginning of her career. As a student, she worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor. In 2002, she began working in the field of
aging adults and in 2006 she landed her first full-time recreation job at the City of Minnetonka. She joined the City of Edina in 2016 and continues to serve the Edina community with
her more than 15 years of experience and passion for making lives better through activity and connection.
“I am honored to receive this prestigious award and grateful to join the Dorothea Nelson club of recipients,” said Gorman. “Receiving this award is a true testament to those who have
mentored me in my career. I appreciate the recognition for the work I have done and continue to do within the field of parks and recreation.”
As a Recreation Supervisor for the Edina Senior Center, Gorman supervises active aging and senior programs, special events, partnerships, community engagement and facility management.
She also assists the Parks & Recreation Department with special events and other community programs.
Those around Gorman see her passion for enhancing the lives of Edina residents.
“Nicole brings a great sense of passion, creativity and energy to the programs, events and residents she works with,” said Parks & Recreation Assistant Director Tracy Petersen. “She
has a gift for collaborating within the communities in which she has worked to provide quality and meaningful recreation opportunities for all ages.”
Gorman wanted a career that did not feel like a job and would be something she would enjoy doing every day. “I have a passion for programming and finding ways to bring people joy through
recreation opportunities,” she said. “I have always gravitated toward older adults. I grew up spending a lot of time with my maternal grandmother and from that I found myself drawn
toward finding a way to connect and serve that demographic.”
Gorman has been an active MRPA member throughout her career, including serving as annual conference co-chair; President of the Minnesota Association of Senior Services and Treasurer
of the Minnesota Recreation and Park Foundation, as well as leading numerous workshops and seminars.
MRPA will honor Gorman at the MRPA Professional Awards Ceremony in October.
For more information about the awards, visit mnrpa.org/awards. Visit EdinaParks.com to get involved in Edina parks and recreation activities.
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