During this morning’s Opening General Session at the NRPA Congress in Indianapolis, the Frankfort Square Park District was announced a winner of the National Gold Medal Awards For Excellence in Park and Recreation Management in the Class V division (population 25,000 or less). Congratulations to their staff and board for being honored with such a prestigious national award.

Illinois agencies also in the running for various divisions of the Gold Medal Awards were the Pleasure Driveway and Park District of Peoria, the Bolingbrook Park District, the Arlington Heights Park District, the Hoffman Estates Park District, the St. Charles Park District, the Elmhurst Park District and the Vernon Hills Park District. It is such an honor to have so many agencies from Illinois nominated this year. Keep up the great work. We are all very proud of you.

The Gold Medals honor communities throughout the United States that demonstrate excellence in long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development, and agency recognition. Each agency is judged on its ability to address the needs of those it serves through the collective energies of citizens, staff and elected officials.

A panel of five parks and recreation professionals reviews and judges all application materials. Judges are chosen for their considerable experiences and knowledge in parks and recreation on both local and national levels.

Click here for more information about the Gold Medal Awards and a listing of the finalists.