Dallas Park and Recreation Department is a finalist for the 2020 National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. This prestigious national honor is presented by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) to communities that demonstrate excellence in the park and recreation field.

“This is a tremendous accomplishment for the Dallas Park and Recreation Department and the city, but mostly for the citizens of Dallas. 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 of four finalists in the Class 1 category - which is based on 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 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 the collective energies of community members, staff and elected officials through long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development and agency recognition. 

“Getting to this point took years of visionary leadership by staff and Board members, plus political willpower, and unbelievably dedicated and creative partners. It has never been more apparent than right now - Dallas residents love their parks and trials, and they have given overwhelming support for bond programs that have further enhanced the park system. So, this is a collective ‘win’, and we will continue to build on this strong foundation,” said Collins-Bratton.

For more information on the Gold Medal Awards, visit www.nrpa.org/goldmedal or www.aapra.org.