Canton Leisure Services recreation supervisor wins national award

Canton Leisure Services recreation supervisor Laura Mortier earned a national award recently.
Laura Mortier, Canton Leisure Services Recreation Supervisor, CPRP, was recenlty named the recipient of the 2023 Robert W. Crawford Young Professional Award from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).
Mortier is one of just over a dozen other parks and recreation professionals in the United States to have received the distinguished award.
The Robert W. Crawford Young Professional Award recognizes the vision and dedication of individuals who have tirelessly worked to improve the quality of life in America through parks and recreation and who will serve as examples for future leaders in continuing the recreation and park movement into the 21st century.
“To say that Laura’s dedication to the parks and recreation profession is exemplary, would be putting it mildly,” says Jon LaFever, Canton Community Development Director.
‘Consummate professional’
“She is a consummate professional who lives and breathes the benefits of parks and recreation. Laura is quick to show initiative and is passionate about helping others. She has been a driving force in the development of numerous creative and advocacy programs that have all gone on to be highly successful.”
The award will be presented to Mortier during the NRPA annual conference in Dallas, Texas in October.
Mortier has worked for Canton Leisure Services since the age of 178, starting out as a junior day camp counselor.
Mortier currently oversees the operations and programming of The B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen Center for area youth ages 11-17, Canton Therapeutic Recreation programming, enrichment classes, and summer camps, in addition to special events.
During her tenure, she has also launched Lead #LikeAGirl and Be a #ModelMan, two award-winning leadership programs for youth.
Mortier, her husband Matt, and their daughter Matilda currently reside in Canton.