Gold Medal Press Release
The Sports Foundation, Inc. of the National Sporting Goods Association in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association is pleased to announce the winner of the National Gold Medal Award, Class IV. The award was presented to the DeKalb Park District, DeKalb, Illinois on Wednesday, October 22 during the grand opening session of the NRPA 2003 Congress in St. Louis, Missouri. David C. Mason, Commissioner, IAPD Trustee was present to receive the award.
The National Gold Medal Awards are presented annually in four classes to honor the park and recreation agencies across the country that have displayed an exciting and visible commitment to their communities, and that have achieved increased community involvement in their programs. Entries are solicited from 4,800 communities and 7,000 park and recreation administrators from across the nation.
The Sports Foundation recognizes that the development and success of park and recreation programs are largely determined by community support. While stimulating and maintaining that support, local park and recreation departments must be alert to the changing needs of the community and be quick to implement programs to meet them. They must be leaders in providing organized recreational activities, cultural activities and community services in close concert with schools, local government, social service agencies and business. The DeKalb Park District, in compliance with the standards set for the award, won this recognition for serving populations of 25,000 to 50.000. DeKalb formulated a five-year plan to manage a park district with relation to the use of taxpayer's dollars, services, and development and maintenance of facilities. The Plan was a result of input from the community along with professional staff.
The National Recreation and Park Association is a national, non-profit organization devoted to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all Americans. Through its network of 24,000 recreation and park professionals and civic leaders, NRPA encourages recreation initiatives for youths in high-risk environments, the promotion of health lifestyles, and the conservation of natural and cultural resources. NRPA, headquarters in Ashburn, Virginia, works closely with national, state, and local recreation and park agencies, corporations and citizen groups in carrying out its objective.