Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation has been selected as the 2012 National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Gold Medal Award winner.

Established in 1965, the Gold Medal Award honors U.S. communities 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 five classes based on population.

"I'm very proud of the work and professional dedication of our staff and volunteers to earn this recognition," said Jim Garges, director of the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department.

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.

Park and Recreation was selected the winner in the Class I category (population 250,000 and over) competing against:

• City of Henderson (NV) Parks and Recreation Department
• Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Riverdale, MD
• Plano (TX) Parks and Recreation

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This activity supports Mecklenburg County’s strategic goal to improve/expand parks, open spaces, greenways and recreational activities.        

Media Contact:
Leo Caplanides at 980-395-2873 or Leo.Caplanides@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov