CARRABASSETT VALLEY – The Maine Recreation and Park Association presented Douglas S. Beck of North Monmouth with its highest recognition, the William B. Haskell Professional of the Year Award.

The presentation was made at the association’s annual conference recently at the Sugarloaf Conference Center. Beck has worked for the city of Auburn Parks and Recreation Department for 18 years, where he is currently the recreation superintendent.

Beck served as president of association from 2005-2007, vice president from 2003-2005, and served on the board of directors from 1995-2003.

He is also a member of the National Recreation and Park Association and the American Park and Recreation Society, and is a certified park and recreation professional.

In his years of service to the city of Auburn, Beck has grown the department program base and increased program revenues to the extent that all program offerings are self-supporting. The recreation division offers more than 54 programs for community members of all ages, resulting in more than 33,000 annual registrations. He also serves as the city liaison to the Lewiston Auburn Community Forest Board, and the Holiday Decorating Committee, manages 325-acre Mount Apatite Park, and is instrumental in the planning of department special events and festivals such as the annual tree lighting event and Auburn’s Winter Festival. He is also president of the Western Maine Football League and the Two Rivers Football League.