The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), is pleased to announce Coppell Parks and Recreation received the prestigious Grand Plaque in the National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. Musco Lighting, LLC continues their 20+ years of sponsoring the National Gold Medal Awards program.
Founded in 1965, the Gold Medal Awards program honors local park and recreation agencies, military recreation programs, and state park systems in the United States who demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development and agency recognition. Applications are separated into six classes, with five classes based on population, one class for armed forces, and one for state park systems. To receive the Grand Plaque, the agency first had to be designated as a Finalist in their class. There are four (4) Finalists in each class.
Coppell Parks and Recreation received the Grand Plaque in the Class IV (population 30,001 – 75,000) category. This honor is a result of Coppell’s intentional work to provide exceptional services and create unique experiences in City parks and facilities. A CAPRA-accredited agency, the department promotes quality recreational and educational opportunities that enhance the overall health of individuals and the community through responsible stewardship of natural and allocated resources.
“We are incredibly honored to receive the Grand Plaque this year,” said Jessica Carpenter, Director of Parks and Recreation. “It took commitment, dedication and passion from the entire department, along with the support of City leadership, elected officials and our volunteers to achieve this recognition. We are beyond thrilled to bring the National Gold Medal home to Coppell.”
Jane H. Adams, Executive Director and Gold Medal Program Administrator for the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, shared “Each of our 2021 Grand Plaque recipients show a remarkable resilience as well concern for their constituents and staff in continuing to provide critical services during this COVID pandemic. The pandemic has shed light on the essential services provided by park and recreation agencies, military installations, and state park systems.”
A panel of five park and recreation professionals judged all applications to select the Finalists who then submitted a 5-minute video and their current strategic plan. Judges are chosen for their considerable experience and knowledge in parks and recreation on both the local and national levels.
This year’s Grand Plaque recipients were announced at the 2021 National Recreation and Park Association Conference, held in person and virtually in Nashville, Tennessee, September 21st.
For more information on the Gold Medal Awards, visit www.nrpa.org/goldmedal or www.aapra.org.