A lifetime of getting Aurora to play: Recreation supervisor receives prestigious statewide honor
For nearly four decades, Todd Steinkamp has helped make sports and recreation a cornerstone of life in Aurora. From organizing youth leagues to mentoring colleagues and supporting generations of athletes, his dedication to the community he calls home has left a lasting mark on Aurora's recreation programs. Now, that commitment is being recognized on a statewide stage.
Steinkamp, a recreation supervisor with the city of Aurora's Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Department, received the Legacy Award from the Colorado Association of Recreational Athletics (CARA) during the Colorado Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) Annual Conference in Breckenridge on Thursday, Oct. 22.
CARA’s Legacy Award honors individuals whose dedication and contributions have made a lasting difference in recreational athletics. It recognizes Steinkamp's decades of service, leadership and contributions to recreational athletics in Aurora and throughout Colorado.
"For nearly 40 years, thousands of Aurora youth and adult participants have enjoyed sports programming where they improved their skills, enhanced their fitness, made friends and had fun thanks to Todd’s efforts," said PROS Deputy Director of Recreation Kris Ryan. "Working alongside him earlier this year at our inaugural ‘She Plays Aurora’ event aimed at increasing girls’ involvement in sports, I witnessed firsthand his commitment to the value of sports play for all. We are so proud of his amazing career and this well-deserved recognition!"
Steinkamp's history with the city of Aurora dates back to 1987, when he first joined the organization as a part-time employee. Since then, Steinkamp has spent much of his career developing and overseeing sports leagues and recreational programs for residents of all ages.
For Steinkamp, the work has always been personal. Having grown up and raised his children in Aurora, he understands firsthand the role recreation plays in bringing neighbors together, building confidence and creating lifelong memories.
Throughout his career, Steinkamp has become a familiar and trusted face in Aurora’s sports community. His dedication often extends well beyond traditional working hours, ensuring leagues run smoothly, participants feel supported and families have access to quality recreational experiences.
His leadership has also extended beyond the playing field. Steinkamp has been trusted to step into interim leadership positions when called upon and has helped see Aurora’s recreation services through a challenging time amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beyond Aurora, Steinkamp has played an instrumental role in CARA since its inception, helping support and advance youth athletics across Colorado. Through his involvement in numerous CARA programs and initiatives, he has contributed to an organization that promotes consistent standards, fair competition and opportunities for athletes of all ages throughout the state.
While Steinkamp's recognition celebrates a remarkable career, his legacy is perhaps best reflected in the thousands of players, families and fellow recreation professionals whose lives he has touched along the way. For Aurora, his lifetime of service is more than an achievement. It's a legacy that will continue to shape the community for generations to come.
To learn more about the city of Aurora's sports and recreation programs, visit
AuroraGov.org/Sports.