As a finalist for the National Gold Medal award, the Arlington Parks and Recreation Department (APRD) travelled to Charlotte, North Carolina, for awards presentation at the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Congress from Oct. 13-16, 2014.

Founded in 1965, the Gold Medal Awards program honors communities in the U.S. that demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development and agency recognition. Applications are separated into seven classes, with five classes based on population, one class for armed forces recreation communities and the State Park System Class awarded during odd-numbered years.

The APRD was selected as a 2014 finalist in the Class II category for the Gold Medal award. Agencies are judged on their ability to address the needs of those they serve through the collective energies of citizens, staff and elected officials. Four finalists in each class are chosen to compete for grand honors each year.

Class II (population 150,001 - 400,000)

• Arlington Parks and Recreation, Texas
• Bakersfield Recreation and Parks Department, California
• Henderson Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Nevada
• Plano Parks and Recreation Department, Texas

Selection as a finalist for this award is an phenomenal achievement for the department. The nomination is due to the long hours, and hard work, from each member of our parks team here in Arlington, Texas. We, as a city, are incredibly fortunate to have such dedicated staff, passionate city supporters, faithful fans and followers on social media and outstanding community partners. It is because of these people that Arlington remains a thriving, cultural hub for the Dallas / Fort Worth metroplex; enough to grab the attention of national organizations such as NRPA.