MONMOUTH – The Maine Parks and Recreation Association recently presented Sen. Susan Collins with its Katahdin Award, which is intended to honor a “Maine elected official who has significantly enhanced the lives of the people of Maine through their support of parks and recreation services.”

This is the first year the association has presented the award.

The organization said it chose to recognize Collins for her efforts to restore the Land and Water Conservation Fund stateside grants program, which helps states and local communities build parks and playing fields, carve out trails and preserve open space.

Collins accepted the award during an event at the Monmouth Middle School, where the organization is hoping to help build a new playground for school children.