Gaithersburg Wins Recreation Association Event, Volunteer, Marketing Awards

From the City of Gaithersburg: At the Maryland Recreation and Parks Association “Celebrate Excellence” awards ceremony in March, 2017, the City of Gaithersburg was presented with five awards, the most received by an member agency.

Oktoberfest at the Kentlands, now in its 26th year, won the Maryland, My Maryland Festival of the Year award. This event draws people from around the region to the Kentlands neighborhood in Gaithersburg for a day filled with Bavarian traditions and modern festival elements. Highlights include five stages of live entertainment, unique strolling performers, a Wine Terrace and beer tasting, crafts and inflatable amusements for children, food purveyors, artisans, nonprofit organizations, and businesses.

Paul Hlavinka, President of the Board of Directors of the Muddy Branch Alliance, received the Community Volunteer Award for his efforts to preserve, protect and enhance the Muddy Branch Trail in Gaithersburg. Through coordination of hands-on projects and political advocacy, he has improved the quality of the trail and made it more accessible to local residents. The Muddy Branch Alliance started as an all-volunteer group of concerned citizens. Their vision is for the surrounding streams, lakes, forests and parks to be teeming with life, safe for families, pets and wildlife to enjoy, and to nurture a community connected to preserving the area's intrinsic beauty.

Three marketing tools that promote City of Gaithersburg events and amenities won First Place Agency Showcase Awards in the 50,000-150,000 population category. Showcase awards recognize the best marketing and promotional materials produced by parks and recreation agencies in Maryland. The Gaithersburg Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture works with the City’s Public Information Office to develop its marketing and advertising pieces.

Best Activity Guide was awarded for the vibrant Arts on the Green Season Brochure. Oktoberfest at the Kentlands won in the Best Program Logo category for its fall foliage and harvest themed-design.

The Gaithersburg Book Festival website, which was developed and continues to be maintained by volunteers, received the award for Best Website, recognizing it as a multi-faceted online venue where visitors can engage before, during and after this popular literary event held each May.

For more information on parks, recreation and cultural programs in Gaithersburg visit www.gaithersburgmd.gov or call 301-258-6350.

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