The Arlington Parks and Recreation Department took top honors at the Texas Recreation and Parks Society (TRAPS)2012 Institute and Expo earlier this month.

The department was presented the Texas Gold Medal Award for their "great parks" and "exceptional programs" at the annual awards dinner. Criteria for the award included overall mission and execution of a master plan, financial stewardship, leadership, programs, and media and marketing.

The Texas Gold Medal Award is modeled after the National Recreation and Park Association's Gold Medal Award.

Arlington also won the Lone Star Recreation Programming Achievement Award for Cliff Nelson Recreation Center's event "Mom & Son Lock-In." This yearly event offers moms and sons a chance to create memories together with scheduled activities that include treasure hunts, hayrides, crafts, story-time, and movies.

Cody Rocamontes, Inc., the local group that spearheaded the initiative to bring skateparks to Arlington, won the Outstanding Service Club Award after being nominated by the Parks and Recreation Department. Cody Rocamontes, Inc. is a Texas non-profit run by volunteers and established in honor of its 15 year-old namesake that lost his life en route to his favorite skate spot.

The planning phase of the first skatepark at Vandergriff Park is now underway.

Mom & Son Lock-In
Friday, April 27
Cliff Nelson Recreation Center
$12 per person
For more information or to register, call 817.561.2819

By Jeff Jack