Mayor Brandon M. Scott Celebrates Baltimore City Recreation and Parks Winning 2026 National Gold Medal Grand Plaque
Historic, national recognition celebrates the Mayor and the Department’s commitment to modern, accessible recreation and parks services across Baltimore
BALTIMORE, MD – Baltimore City Recreation & Parks (Rec & Parks) has been awarded the 2026 National Gold Medal Award Program Grand Plaque, marking the first time in the department’s history that it has received the prestigious national honor recognizing excellence in parks and recreation management.
Presented by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), the Gold Medal Award program recognizes public parks and recreation agencies that demonstrate excellence in long-range planning, resource management, environmental stewardship and innovative service delivery.
“This is a proud moment for Baltimore and an important recognition of the progress we are making across our parks and recreation system,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “We have made historic investments in recreation centers, playgrounds, pools and parks because these are essential public spaces that strengthen neighborhoods and bring Baltimoreans together. I am proud of the Rec & Parks team and everyone who has helped move this department forward, and I look forward to seeing that work continue.”
Baltimore City received the Grand Plaque in the Class I category for agencies serving populations of 400,001 and over at the 2026 NRPA Annual Conference in Philadelphia. Baltimore was selected from four Class I finalists, joining Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation in Tampa, Florida; Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation in Lake Worth, Florida; and The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission in Riverdale, Maryland.
“This award is a tremendous recognition of the work our entire team has been doing to build a stronger parks and recreation system for Baltimore,” said Dr. Reginald Moore, Director of Baltimore City Recreation & Parks. “Being named a finalist for the first time was already a significant milestone for our department. To now receive the Grand Plaque is an incredible honor and a reflection of the dedication, creativity and persistence of our staff. Most importantly, this recognition is about the Baltimore residents we serve and our commitment to providing them with the quality recreation opportunities and public spaces they deserve.”
The National Gold Medal recognition comes after years of focused investment across Baltimore’s parks and recreation system. Since Mayor Scott took office, Rec & Parks has worked to modernize aging facilities, expand access to recreation and improve public spaces in neighborhoods throughout the city.
In the last six years, the department has delivered:
- 40 playground renovations or replacements, bringing modern and accessible play spaces to neighborhoods across the city;
- Eight recreation centers that are new, renovated or currently under construction, expanding opportunities for recreation, wellness, athletics and community programming; and
- Eight new aquatic centers, expanding access to swimming, water safety and recreation.
These projects are part of a broader effort to replace aging infrastructure, expand equitable access to high-quality recreation and create public spaces that meet the needs of Baltimore residents today and into the future.
The department is also preparing to release The Playbook in 2027, a 10-year strategic plan designed to establish measurable goals and outcomes for Rec & Parks in every neighborhood. The plan will use data and equity mapping to help guide future investments and ensure Baltimore residents have meaningful access to recreation and parks services and amenities.
Established in 1965, the National Gold Medal Awards program represents one of the highest national standards for excellence in parks and recreation management. Each year, agencies compete within population-based categories, with four finalists selected in each category and one agency receiving the Grand Plaque. Baltimore City’s selection in Class I places Rec & Parks among a distinguished group of large urban and metropolitan park and recreation agencies recognized nationally for excellence in the field.
For more information about the National Gold Medal Award, visit the AAPRA or NRPA websites.
###
|
