The Arlington Parks and Recreation department (APRD) won the 2018 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, announced by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), on Tuesday.
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.
"What an achievement for the Arlington Parks and Recreation staff, park board, numerous advisory and volunteer groups, and City as a whole," Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams said. "Our parks system is often the gateway into Arlington for many residents and visitors alike, and I'm thrilled to see our parks department receive this well-deserved recognition for the outstanding work they do on a daily basis."
Arlington Parks and Recreation won the Class II category (population 150,001-400,000). The department was also named a finalist for the prestigious honor in 2014, 2016 and 2017.
The other three finalists in Class II were Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation (Arlington, Va.), Tampa Parks and Recreation Department (Tampa, Fla.) and Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District (Beaverton, Ore).
Agencies are judged on their ability to address the needs of those they serve through the collective energies of citizens, staff and elected officials.
"This award is significant in terms of the recognition it provides the agency on an International scale, but more importantly, it highlights the collective will of our residents, City Council and city staff in providing the highest quality of life for our citizens," said Director of Parks and Recreation Lemuel Randolph.
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