The Fox Valley Park District has been selected as a finalist for the 2015 National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, as announced by the National Recreation and Park Association and the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration.

Fox Valley is one is one of four finalists in the Class II category for agencies with a service area population between 150,000 and 400,000. The national grand award winner will be announced in September during the NRPA’s annual conference.

“To be in consideration for the highest distinction in the parks and recreation industry is a prestigious honor for which we can all be proud,” said Fox Valley Park District Executive Director Nancy McCaul. “Reaching the final four again is a reaffirmation of the strong community support and collaboration we enjoy with our residents in helping us provide them the best possible facilities, programs and services.”

Fox Valley won the National Gold Medal in 2009. This is the first year Fox Valley was eligible to compete for the award again, as a five-year waiting period is required for prior winners.  The other Class II finalists are the city of Peoria, AZ, Des Moines, IA Parks and Recreation and Plano (TX) Parks & Recreation.

Fox Valley, the second largest Park District in Illinois, serves a diverse population of more than 233,000 people in the communities of Aurora, North Aurora and Montgomery. Recognized as an Illinois Distinguished Agency, Fox Valley maintains 165 parks and 48 miles of interconnected regional trails amid 2,500 acres of parkland.

“We make it our mission to improve the quality of life for our residents by providing park and recreation opportunities that meet the highest standards,” said Park District Board President Robert Vaughan. “We’re proud to create such a positive impact and make a difference in the communities we serve.”

The Gold Medal Awards program honors communities in the U.S. that demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development and agency recognition.

Agencies are judged on their ability to address the needs of those they serve through the collective energies of citizens, staff and elected officials.

SOURCE: Fox Valley Park District press release