City of Burbank Receives Prestigious 2025 Helen Putnam Award for Excellence
Burbank, CA (October 10, 2025) – The City of Burbank is proud to announce that it has been awarded the 2025 Helen Putnam Award for Excellence for its groundbreaking work on the Burbank Adaptive Sports Expo (BASE), a program redefining recreation and accessibility for residents of all abilities.
The Helen Putnam Award, presented annually by the League of California Cities, recognizes innovative programs that demonstrate excellence in municipal government and deliver meaningful community impact. Burbank’s nomination, titled “Breaking Barriers and Building Belonging: How Burbank’s Adaptive Sports Expo is Redefining Recreation,” highlights the city’s transformative approach to inclusive sports and recreation opportunities.
Launched in 2024 by the City of Burbank’s Parks and Recreation Department, BASE provides residents with disabilities access to more than 18 adaptive sports, including wheelchair basketball, blind soccer, beep baseball, and parafencing. Through strong partnerships with organizations such as Triumph Foundation, Hearts 4 Sight, Angel City Sports, and SoCal Adaptive Sports, the Expo has created a safe, welcoming, and inspiring space where individuals of all abilities can participate, connect, and thrive.
BASE has grown rapidly in just two years. The inaugural event in 2024 drew nearly 200 athletes and over 1,000 visitors, while the 2025 Expo welcomed 240 athletes and 3,000 attendees, showcasing a 20% growth in participation. Beyond attendance, the program has expanded access through weekly adaptive sports programs, low-cost B-Active memberships, and the city’s newly unveiled Centennial Playground, featuring inclusive play structures and sensory-friendly equipment.
“Burbank’s commitment to inclusion is not just words, it’s investments, action, and outcomes,” said Jason Wolfe, Executive Director of SoCal Adaptive Sports. “They’ve set a gold standard for what a city can do when it says, ‘everyone belongs.’”
The Expo has also leveraged significant community support, securing over $22,000 in sponsorships, raising $90,000 through Leadership Burbank, and receiving a $40,000 grant from LA County to purchase specialized adaptive equipment. These investments have enabled Burbank to launch the largest municipal parafencing program in the country and expand adaptive offerings, including swim, scuba diving, and blind tennis.
“The Adaptive Sports Expo reflects the heart of our city,” said Mayor Nikki Perez. “It’s a reminder that inclusion isn’t a program, it’s a value, and we’re proud to lead by example. Through equity and inclusion, we’re creating a Burbank where all residents are valued and empowered to thrive.
Personally, I couldn't be prouder of our City and Parks and Recreation Department for their leadership in adaptive sports!"
The Helen Putnam Award was formally presented at the League of California Cities 2025 Annual Conference, honoring Burbank’s innovative approach to recreation and inclusion. The City’s ongoing commitment ensures that residents of all abilities can continue to experience the joy, opportunity, and empowerment that adaptive sports provide.
For more information about the Burbank Adaptive Sports Expo or the City’s adaptive recreation programs, please visit www.Burbankca.gov/BASE or call 818-238-5300. To watch a brief video prepared by the League of California Cities on the city’s win, click here.
