City of Conroe Parks and Recreation Collects Five Prestigious TRAPS Awards

CONROE, TX -- The City of Conroe Parks and Recreation team collected five prestigious awards at the 2025 Texas Recreation and Parks Society (TRAPS) East Region Winter Social & Awards Banquet held on December 11th. The TRAPS East Region recognizes and honors individuals and organizations that have rendered significant services to the Society and have made outstanding contributions to the field of parks and recreation.

This year's distinguished winners from the City of Conroe are:

Braden Macurdy - Rookie of the Year

This award recognizes an outstanding contribution by an individual with less than 2 years’ work experience to the recreation field.

Braden Macurdy serves as the Recreation Specialist – Sports, joining the City of Conroe Parks and Recreation Department in 2024. A graduate of Texas A&M with a degree in Sports Management, Braden hit the ground running and hasn’t looked back. His role includes assisting with the development and progression of youth and adult athletics, overseeing program implementation, marketing, sponsorship outreach, and supervising part-time staff. From day one, Braden has embraced every responsibility with energy, humility, and a drive to improve our programs.

What truly sets Braden apart is his attitude. No matter the task—whether it’s managing referee schedules, getting equipment ready, or being in the heat at the fields on a sports day, he approaches it with positivity, humility, and a can-do spirit.

Datrin Rogers - Recreation Professional of the Year

This award recognizes outstanding contributions by an individual with more than 5 years of work experience in the recreation field.

Datrin Rogers has served for over thirteen years as a Recreation Coordinator for the City of Conroe at the Oscar Johnson Jr. Community Center. His leadership, professionalism, and passion for the Parks and Recreation field have left an indelible mark on both his community and the profession at large. Datrin has overseen after-school and camp programs that have positively impacted thousands of children and families in Conroe. His programs are known for being safe, engaging, and innovative, fostering both growth and a sense of belonging among participants.

Datrin’s influence extends into mentorship and community service. For thirteen years, Datrin has served as a mentor with Project Mentor through Conroe ISD, shaping the lives of at-risk students and providing encouragement and consistency for countless youth. His commitment to mentorship has made a lasting difference in participants' lives and inspired many staff to follow in his footsteps. His leadership and dedication were also recognized in 2025 when he was honored as the Grand Marshal of the Conroe Black History Parade.

Conroe Senior Center Promotional Video - Promotional Award

This award recognizes outstanding promotional efforts of a parks and recreation or leisure agency for the past year.

The Conroe Senior Center promotional video was produced by Andrew Yousse, the City of Conroe's Communications Manager, to educate and inform the senior population about the wide range of activities and services available at the Conroe Senior Center. By showcasing live-action footage, seniors were able to see firsthand the energy, engagement, and opportunities that occur daily at the center. The video highlighted not only recreation and wellness programs but also the strong sense of community and camaraderie the center fosters.

What set this initiative apart was the authentic, documentary-style approach. Rather than using stock photos or generic testimonials, the video featured real participants in their everyday environment, capturing genuine laughter, connection, and activity. This storytelling approach made the initiative both relatable and inspiring, motivating current and prospective members to view the center as a place to stay youthful, active, and engaged. During filming, the seniors took great pride in being part of the project, and it quickly evolved into a unique programming opportunity.

The video aired in July and generated significant attention and community response. It reached over 18,500 people across distribution platforms, including Facebook and YouTube, and has resulted in 200 new members joining the Conroe Senior Center. The initiative elevated the center’s visibility in the community, strengthened public perception, and reinforced its role as a hub for active aging in Conroe.

Photography Awards

Andrew Yousse and Nancy Valdez were both honored with Photo of the Year awards; Yousse in the Sports and Athletics category, and Valdez in the Leisure and Cultural Arts category.

The Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) is a nonprofit educational and professional organization founded 77 years ago to advance the profession of parks, recreation, and leisure services in Texas.

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