Dallas is a finalist for the National Gold Medal Award

Dallas Park and Recreation Department is a finalist for the 2020 National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.

The American Academy presents this prestigious national honor for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) to communities through the United States that demonstrate excellence in the park and recreation field.

“This is a tremendous accomplishment for the Dallas Park and Recreation Department and our residents. This award honors the nation’s best of the best, and Dallas has among the best parks, trails, facilities, and amenities of any city in the country, said Calvert Collins-Bratton, President of the Dallas Park and Recreation Board.

Dallas Park and Recreation is one out of four finalists to be in the class one category. This selection process represents cities with populations of more than 400,000. The finalists will compete for Grand Plaque Award honors this summer and Grand Plaque recipients will be announced during the 2020 NRPA Conference to be held virtually in October.

“Dallas received the Gold Medal Award in 1985. Since then, the department has achieved many milestones in our community to help residents stay active, healthy and engaged. We are honored that our programs and the work of our park and recreation professionals are being recognized nationally. We are thrilled to be recognized,” said John D. Jenkins, Director, Dallas Park and Recreation Department.

Agencies will be judged on their ability to address the needs of those they serve through community engagement, staff and elected officials long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development and agency recognition.

To learn more about the National Gold Medal Awards, visit www.nrpa.org/goldmedal.