Plano Receives National Excellence Award for Parks and Recreation for a Fifth Time

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) at its annual conference in Dallas today announced the City of Plano’s Parks and Recreation Department as the 2023 National Gold Medal Award, marking a fifth national recognition for the Department.

The prestigious award recognizes agencies that demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development, and community engagement.

“Winning the National Gold Medal for a fifth time is an amazing feeling,” Director Ron Smith said. “Throughout the years, we have remained strategic, thoughtful and deliberate, re-affirming the Department’s commitment to delivering outstanding services, facilities and programs to Plano residents every day. This award also reflects our efforts to help achieve and maintain City Council’s vision for Plano, in which all residents experience an unparalleled quality of life.”

The Department received its first Gold Medal Award in its population class in 1979, with three more awarded in 1987, 1997, and 2015. Agencies are judged on their ability to address the needs of those they serve through the collective energies of citizens, staff and elected officials.

Accredited since 1994 and ranked #1 in Texas by the Trust for Public Land, Plano Parks and Recreation provided more than 7,000 health, wellness and recreational programs in 2022, enrolling nearly 58,000 participants of all ages, backgrounds, income levels, and abilities. Its collaborations with schools, businesses and non-profits have also cultivated community-wide advocacy for quality parks and recreation in Plano. Integrated work order and asset management software has also enabled the Department to track work orders, inspections and community requests, resulting in faster response rates and cost savings.

For more information on the Gold Medal Awards, visit nrpa.org/GoldMedal or aapra.org 

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