2009 National Gold Medal Finalists.

The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), is proud to announce the finalists of its 2009 National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. This year's proud sponsor of the Gold Medal Award Program is Musco Lighting LLC.

The Gold Medal Award honors communities throughout the United States that demonstrate excellence in long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development, and agency recognition. Each agency is judged on its ability to address the needs of those it serves through the collective energies of citizens, staff and elected officials.

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

Grand Plaque Recipients will be announced live during NRPA's Annual Congress & Exposition in Salt Lake City, Utah, October 13-16, 2009.

For information on the Gold Medal program for 2010, contact the NRPA Awards team at [e-mail].

The 2009 Gold Medal Finalists are:

Class I (population 250,000 and over)

* City of Bakersfield, California

* City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department, North Carolina

* Milwaukee County Department of Parks, Recreation, & Culture, Wisconsin

* Parks and Community Services Department, Fort Worth, Texas

Class II (population 100,001 - 250,000)

* City of Fort Collins Culture, Parks, Recreation and Environment, Colorado

* City of Peoria, Arizona

* Fox Valley Park District, Illinois

* Pleasure Driveway and Park District of Peoria, Illinois

Class III (population 50,001 - 100,000)

* Arlington Heights Park District, Illinois

* Glenview Park District, Illinois

* Hoffman Estates Park District, Illinois

* Temple Parks & Leisure Services, Texas

Class IV (population 25,001 - 50,000)

* Bartlett Park District, Illinois

* Buffalo Grove, Illinois

* Downers Grove Park District, Illinois

* Lombard Park District, Illinois

Class V (population less than 25,000)

* Batavia Park District, Illinois

* City of Golden Parks and Recreation Department, Colorado

* Itasca Park District, Illinois

* Vernon Hills Park District, Illinois

Class--State

* State of Michigan--Department of Natural Resources--Parks & Recreation Department

* North Carolina State Parks and Recreation

* Georgia State Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites Division

* Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources--Bureau of State Parks