LONG BEACH, Calif. -- Idris Jassim Al-Oboudi, Recreation Manager for the Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Department, received the national Professional Distinguished Service Award by the National Recreation and Park Association’s Pacific Southwest Regional Council. This is the highest award bestowed by the NRPA. It recognizes professionals in the region who have consistently given outstanding service to the park, recreation and conservation movement on the state, national and in the case of Al-Oboudi the international level.

Parks and recreation professionals from throughout the United States provided testimonials for Al-Oboudi’s nomination detailing the impact of his work.

Al-Oboudi was honored during the California Park and Recreation Society Conference in Long Beach.

Al-Oboudi was also recognized for excellence in recreation and community services program planning for the 2007 Manhattan Beach Pumpkin Race Festival.