Vernon Hills Park District: Vernon Hills Park District Announced As Finalist For The 2021 National Gold Medal Awards In Parks And Recreation

Press release from Vernon Hills Park District:

May 5, 2021

The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) announced today that Vernon Hills Park District has been selected as a finalist for the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in the Field of Park and Recreation Management for 2021 in Class V, population less than 30,000.

Founded in 1965, the Gold Medal Awards program 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. Applications are separated into six classes, with five classes based on population and one class for armed forces. 

For nearly 50 years, the Vernon Hills Park District continues to bring memorable experiences and enjoyment to all ages through diverse programming promoting healthy lifestyles. Today the District encompasses five facilities, ten miles of recreational paths, and twenty-five parks situated on 460 acres of land.  Through the collaborative efforts of the Park Board, professional staff, generous sponsors and dedicated volunteers, the District is an award recipient of the 2019-2024 Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency Award.

Agencies are judged on their ability to address the needs of those they serve through the collective energies of community members, staff members and elected officials. Vernon Hills Park District joins three other finalists in their class that will compete for grand honors this year.

A panel of five park and recreation professionals will review and judge all application materials. Judges are chosen for their considerable experience and knowledge in parks and recreation on both the local and national levels. 

This year’s finalists will compete for Grand Plaque Award honors this summer, and the six Grand Plaque recipients will be announced during the 2021 National Recreation and Park Association Conference, which will be held in Nashville, TN this September. 

This press release was produced by Vernon Hills Park District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.