Finalists Announced For National Gold Medal Award

By Dean Wright, The Bristol Press

June 3, 2022

The Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services is among four finalist organizations across the country being considered to receive the 2022 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.

The award is thought to be one of the highest honors for recreation and park organizations, said city officials.

The award aims to recognize public recreation and park agencies along with state parks across the country that show excellence in resource management, fresh approaches and forward planning to bring superior park services with financially responsible practices.

“It’s a tremendous accomplishment for BPRYCS to be selected as one of four finalists nationwide for communities serving populations of 30,001 to 75,000 people,” said Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services Superintendent Dr. Josh Medeiros in a statement. “This distinction could not be possible without the hard work of our professional staff team, board members, community partners and elected officials that continue to support the work of our department.”

Bristol, among three other finalists, is vying for the Grand Plaque Award. The recognition is anticipated to be announced in September in Phoenix, Ariz. at the 2022 NRPA Conference. Other agencies Bristol is competing against include Hoffman Estates Park District, of Hoffman Estates, Illinois; Park District of Oak Park, of Oak Park, Illinois, and the Recreation and Forestry department of Waukesha, Wisconsin.

BPRYCS made a short video focused on the department’s central values and services. Five judges are anticipated to review all submitted content and documents by each agency before the September award ceremony.

“Each finalist is commended for receiving this prestigious award,” said American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration Executive Director Jane Adams in a statement. “We know local communities and military installations worldwide continue to meet the demands of delivering services during the COVID-19 pandemic which includes increased visitations at trails, parks, playgrounds, and greenways. Park visitors and program participants rely upon their service provider for physical, mental, and emotional support during this continuing pandemic”

Both nonprofit organizations, the National Recreation and Park Association as well as the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration partner in the administration of the National Gold Medal Award. The National Recreation and Park Association promotes equal access to parks as well as conservation efforts and healthy lifestyles practiced through public space. The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration seeks to advance knowledge connected to recreational and park spaces through scholarly efforts, research and dissemination of information.