Rockford Park District is National Gold Medal finalist

Staff Report

The National Recreation and park Association (NRPA) notified the Rockford Park District of the distinction of being chosen as one of four national finalists for the 2011 National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management for the population category of 100,000 to 250,000.

The Rockford Park District has achieved this highest honor in 1989, after being selected as a finalist in 1985, 1986, 1987, and 1988. The District was awarded a second National Gold Medal for Special Recreation in 1995.

Board President Jack Armstrong remarked, ‘We strive to be considered one of the best urban park and recreation systems in North America. First and foremost, we want our citizens to think that Rockford Park District is the best in the nation. It is exciting and prestigious to be considered as one of the top four park and recreation agencies in the nation. Now we have the opportunity to showcase excellence in park and recreation programs and premier facilities on a national level, which creates a very positive feeling about the Rockford region. This is a great day for our community!”

The Gold Medal Award honors 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, and judges are chosen for their considerable experience and knowledge in parks and recreation on both local and national levels.

The other finalists for the Class II population category are Boise Parks and Recreation Department, Idaho; City of Lakewood Department of Community Resources, Colo., and Roswell Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs Department, Georgia.

As a finalist, the next step in the process is to complete a 12-minute DVD that highlights the resources and accomplishments of the agency for a second round of judging to determine the winner in each of the categories, due by July 8. This year’s finalists will compete for Grand Award honors this summer, and all Grand Plaque Recipients will be announced live during NRPA’s Annual Congress & Exposition in Atlanta, Ga., Nov. 1-4, 2001. The Gold Medal Grand Plaque will be presented to the winner at the Opening General Session on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2011.

Rockford Park District Executive Director Tim Dimke commented, “Our citizens deserve the best services we can provide, and they deserve some positive news in these challenging times. Being a Gold Medal finalist says a lot for our community, because citizen involvement is one of the most important elements in the application and awards process. We will put forth our best effort to bring home the gold!”

For more information, contact Tim Dimke, executive director, at (815) 987-8800 or e-mail timdimke@rockfordparkdistrict.org.

From the May 25-31, 2011 issue