Parks and Recreation Named a 2009 National Gold Medal Award Finalist –  City of Fort Collins Honored for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management

July 30, 2009 – (FORT COLLINS, Colorado) – The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), recently selected the City of Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Department as a finalist for the 2009 National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.

Demonstrating excellence in long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development, and agency recognition, the City of Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Department ranks as one of the top four parks and recreation agencies in our population range of 100,001 to 250,000.

Along with the City of Fort Collins, the other finalists for the Gold Medal Awards in the 100,001 to 250,000 population category include the City of Peoria (Arizona), Fox Valley Park District(Illinois,) and Pleasure Driveway and Park District (Illinois).  Judges will evaluate each agency based on its ability to serve the needs of the community through the collective efforts of citizens, staff, and elected officials.

The judging for Grand Award honors is currently underway, and all winners will be announced live during NRPA’s Annual Congress & Exposition in Salt Lake City, Utah, October 13-16, 2009.