Neighborhood Partnerships Awards

These awards celebrate the people and places that make Oak Park a stronger, more welcoming and more vibrant community. Through neighborhood leadership, volunteer service and property stewardship, the awards recognize contributions that enhance quality of life and inspire community pride. The awards are administered by the Neighborhood Partnerships Division.

Cavalcade of Pride Awards

The Cavalcade of Pride Award celebrates properties that enhance the beauty, character and vibrancy of Oak Park. From thoughtfully maintained homes and attractive apartment buildings to welcoming storefronts and commercial spaces, these properties contribute to the sense of pride that residents and visitors experience throughout the community.

Who: Single-family residential, multi-family residential, commercial and non-commercial properties located in Oak Park.

What: Exceptional exterior maintenance, landscaping, restoration, preservation, renovation or beautification efforts that enhance the property's appearance and contribute positively to the surrounding neighborhood.

Why: Attractive and well-maintained properties strengthen neighborhood pride, preserve community character and help create inviting places where people want to live, work, shop and gather. This award recognizes the investments and stewardship that contribute to Oak Park's unique sense of place.

How: Residents, tenants, customers, business owners and community members are encouraged to submit nominations using the online nomination form by October 31.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Property must be located within the Village of Oak Park.
  • Eligible properties include single-family residential, multi-family residential, commercial and non-residential/non-commercial (i.e. church) properties.
  • Properties may be nominated by property owners, residents, tenants, customers or community members.
  • Self-nominations are permitted.
  • Properties that have received a Cavalcade of Pride Award within the previous three years are not eligible.
  • Property owner consent may be required prior to recognition.

Submit a nomination here

Neighborhood Champion Award

The Neighborhood Champion Award recognizes and celebrates residents who go above and beyond to strengthen their neighborhoods and foster a sense of community. This award highlights individuals whose leadership, kindness, and dedication help make Oak Park's neighborhoods more connected, welcoming, and vibrant.

Who: Any Oak Park resident.

What: Demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving their neighborhood and supporting fellow residents.

Why: Strong neighborhoods are the foundation of a strong community. This award recognizes individuals who inspire others through their dedication to building relationships, solving challenges, and creating opportunities for neighbors to connect.

How: Know a neighbor who is making a difference? Submit a nomination using the online nomination form by October 31.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Nominee must be an Oak Park resident who is over the age of 18.
  • Nominees must demonstrate contributions that benefit an Oak Park neighborhood during the current or preceding calendar year.
  • Self-nominations are not permitted.
  • Current elected officials are not eligible while serving in office.
  • Previous recipients are not eligible for three years following recognition. 

Submit a nomination here

Distinguished Volunteer Service Award – Community Volunteer Recognition

The Distinguished Volunteer Service Award recognizes and celebrates individuals who generously dedicate their time and talents in service to Oak Park. This award honors volunteers whose commitment, leadership and contributions have strengthened local organizations, community initiatives, neighborhood efforts, or Village programs that benefit residents.

Who: Individuals who volunteer in support of community organizations, neighborhood groups, schools, faith-based organizations, Village programs, boards, commissions, or other initiatives serving Oak Park.

What: Demonstrated outstanding volunteer service and commitment to improving the community.

Why: Volunteers play an essential role in building connections, supporting community programs, and enriching civic life. This award recognizes those whose service has created a meaningful and lasting impact on Oak Park and its residents.

How: Nominations may be submitted by residents, community organizations, Village staff, boards, commissions, or other recognized groups by October 31.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Nominees must have provided volunteer service in support of Village of Oak Park during the current or preceding calendar year.
  • Current Village employees are not eligible for activities performed as part of their employment.
  • Self-nominations are not permitted.
  • Previous recipients are not eligible for three years following recognition.

Submit a nomination here

Rising Star Award

The Rising Star Award recognizes and celebrates young people who exemplify leadership, service and community involvement. This award honors youth whose dedication and achievements demonstrate the potential to shape the future of Oak Park through continued growth, engagement and leadership.

Who: Young people under the age of 18 who live in, attend school in, work in or actively contribute to the Oak Park community.

What: Demonstrated leadership, initiative, service, academic achievement, advocacy or community involvement that reflects a commitment to making a positive difference.

Why: Young people are an important part of Oak Park's future. This award recognizes individuals whose leadership, initiative and commitment to service demonstrate exceptional promise for continued growth and future contributions to the community.

How: Know a young person who exemplifies leadership and community involvement? Submit a nomination using the online nomination form by October 31.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Nominee must be under the age of 18 as of October 31 of the award year.
  • Nominee must live in, attend school in, or actively contribute to the Oak Park community.
  • Nominee must have demonstrated leadership, service, advocacy, academic achievement or community involvement during the current or preceding calendar year.
  • Self-nominations are not permitted.
  • Previous recipients are not eligible for three years following recognition.
  • Parent or guardian consent may be required prior to recognition. 

Submit a nomination here