City of Burbank Parks and Recreation Department Honored with CPRS Award of Excellence for Anti-Vaping Initiative

Burbank, CA (March 21, 2025) – The City of Burbank Parks and Recreation Department has been awarded the prestigious California Park & Recreation Society (CPRS) Award of Excellence for its outstanding work in youth education and public health advocacy through the Vaporized anti-vaping public service announcement (PSA).

The CPRS Award of Excellence recognizes innovative programs that create a lasting impact on California communities. In collaboration with the Burbank Youth Board, the Parks and Recreation Department developed Vaporized as part of a comprehensive initiative funded by a $448,312 grant from the California Department of Justice Tobacco Grant Program. This initiative educates the community about the City’s tobacco ordinance, supports local retailer compliance, and promotes youth-led outreach on the dangers of vaping.

Since 2019, Burbank has prohibited the sale of flavored tobacco products, aligning with statewide efforts to reduce youth access to harmful substances. However, the 2023 National Youth Tobacco Survey by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that 10% of U.S. students in grades 6-12 have used a tobacco product, with e-cigarettes being the most common. In response, the Parks and Recreation Department and the Youth Board created Vaporized, a compelling peer-driven video aimed at educating middle and high school students about the dangers of vaping.

The PSA was made possible through community partnerships, including a generous donation of props from Independent Studio Services. The Department has launched the video on the City of Burbank’s YouTube channel, social media platforms, and website. Additionally, it has partnered with the Burbank Unified School District (BUSD) and other community organizations to expand the campaign’s reach.

Mayor Nikki Perez praised the program’s impact, stating, “We are deeply committed to protecting the health and future of our youth here in Burbank. This powerful collaboration between the City, the Burbank Youth Board, and our community partners reflects our dedication to educating and empowering our young people to make healthy choices. The Vaporized public service announcement is a critical tool in our ongoing efforts to combat the dangers of vaping, and I am proud of the work our youth have put into this project. I also want to congratulate the Parks and Recreation Department for being honored by CPRS with the Award for Excellence for the Vaporized PSA campaign—an achievement that highlights their outstanding commitment to the wellbeing of our Burbank youth.”

Youth Board Chair Neha Ramesh shared her perspective, stating, “Being part of the Vaporized campaign has been an eye-opening experience. We see firsthand how vaping affects our peers, and having the opportunity to educate others and make a difference has been truly empowering. This project has shown us that our voices matter, and together, we can create a healthier future for our generation.”

Parks and Recreation Director Marisa Garcia also commended the team’s efforts, saying, “Congratulations to the Burbank Youth Board, all our community partners, and the City of Burbank Parks and Recreation staff for this well-deserved recognition! Your dedication and hard work continue to make a meaningful impact, fostering a healthier and more informed community.” 

The CPRS Award of Excellence highlights the Department’s success in leveraging partnerships, grants, and youth-driven initiatives to address critical public health challenges.

To learn more about this campaign and to view the Vaporized PSA, visit BurbankCA.gov/YouthBoard.

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