The Town of Parker Parks and Recreation Department has been awarded the 2011 National Gold Medal Grand Award in the Class IV category from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). This award is the most prestigious honor given in the parks and recreation industry. It is given annually to the parks and recreation department demonstrating the highest degree of excellence in administration.
“We couldn’t be happier to once again be the recipient of a Gold Medal Award,” said Jim Cleveland, Director of Parks and Recreation. “It is a reflection of our community’s support for recreation and our staff’s commitment to providing excellence in programs and facilities.”
Parker’s Parks and Recreation Department was one of only four communities nominated for this prestigious designation within the “Class IV” category, which included all U.S. parks and recreation departments serving populations of 25,001 to 50,000.
“I am proud of our Parks and Recreation Department,” said Mayor David Casiano. “Parker is honored to be recognized for the first-rate service and recreation amenities that our residents and visitors enjoy."
This is Parker’s fifth nomination as a finalist since 1998. The Parks and Recreation Department was last named the Grand Award winner in 2000.
According to the NRPA, the Gold Medal Awards program honors U.S. communities that demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development and agency recognition.
The Gold Medal Awards program separates award candidates into five categories, based on community population. Four finalists are chosen from each category. Winners were announced during the NRPA’s Annual Congress & Exposition in Atlanta, Ga., Nov. 1-3, 2011.