Roswell Named Finalist for Excellence in Park & Recreation

The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), recently announced as a finalist for the 2012 National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.

The Gold Medal Awards program, founded in 1965, honors communities in the United States that demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development and agency recognition.

This is the second year in a row that Roswell Recreation, Parks, Historic & Cultural Affairs Department is honored with this prestigious award.

“Receiving this highly coveted honor for the second year in a row is a testament to the value our community places on our services,” stated Joe Glover, department director. “It shows what can happen when you get the support of the citizens, combined with the necessary resources provided by the elected officials and the hard work and dedication of our outstanding staff. Roswell should be proud to be in such an elite position.”

2012 Gold Medal Finalist

Class III (population 50,001 – 100,000)

• City of Kettering (OH) Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department
• James City County Parks and Recreation, Williamsburg, VA
• Roswell (GA) Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs
• Waukegan (IL) Park District

Applications are separated into five classes based on population and agencies are judged on their ability to address the needs of those they serve through the collective energies of citizens, staff and elected officials. Four finalists in each class are chosen to compete for grand honors each year.

Roswell is one of four agencies selected in the 50,001 to 100,000 population to be named a finalist for the National Gold Medal Award. The winner of the Gold Medal Award will be announced at the 2012 National Recreation & Parks Association’s Annual Congress and Exposition in Anaheim California in October.

“I think this is a great honor for the Roswell Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs Department,” stated City Councilmember Jerry Orlans.  “Receiving this distinction two years in a row shows the dedication and hard work put forth by the staff and the Roswell Recreation Commission. I am proud to serve as the council liaison to this outstanding Department.”