The City of Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth & Community Services (BPRYCS)
Deputy Superintendent, Sarah Larson, has been named to the National Parks and Recreation Association’s 2021 “30 Under 30” young professionals list.

The National Parks and Recreation Association (NRPA), as well as their Young Professional’s Network (YPN), and Parks & Recreation magazine honor 30 of the top young park and recreation professionals who serve as everyday superheroes in their respective communities.

Ms. Larson was selected amongst hundreds of nominations sent in from across the country that were evaluated by a selection committee comprised of parks and recreation’s top professionals.

Ms. Larson is being honored for her impact on the Bristol community, her contribution to the field, and her innovative ideas and programming.

“I am honored to be recognized as part of NRPA’s inaugural 30 under 30,” Ms. Larson reflected. “It is inspiring to see how many young trailblazers are leading our field and whose innovations are changing the way our profession responds to the reoccurring and emerging challenges that our communities face.”

The launch of the “30 Under 30” list results from wanting to showcase young professionals in leadership positions that are engaging their communities, building relationships and partnerships, and using thepower of parks and recreation to create change.

“Sarah’s inclusion in this prestigious group is well- deserved” explained Joshua Medeiros, Superintendent of BPRYCS. “Sarah’s intuition and creativity, combined with her strategic leadership, are integral to BPRYCS. But it’s her leadership, modesty, and genuine warmth that shape the Parks, Recreation, Youth & Community Services culture,” Mederios said.

The NRPA’s national publication, Parks and Recreation Magazine, features Ms. Larson, summing up her contributions and stating, “Sarah is the youngest deputy superintendent in department history. Sarah
has prioritized centering diversity, equity and inclusion in the agency’s initiatives, creating a DEI committee to review departmental policies and practices, developing the city’s first Land Acknowledgement to affirm the municipality and department as stewards of the land of the Tunxis
Peoples, and collaborating with the Commission for Persons with Disabilities to implement strategies of universal design in programs, facilities and parks.”