Fifty states, thousands of possibilities.

After a year full of designations, local events and national attention, NRPA and Sports Illustrated celebrated the grand finale of Sportstown USA at the last state announcement in Oregon on July 17. For the 50 winners, the Sportstown designation brought with it not only exposure in both Sports Illustrated and Parks Recreation magazines and a commemorative street sign, but bragging rights as number one in the state. From California to Maine, communities are using their designation to promote tourism, further economic development, and raise awareness for parks and recreation.

Kicking off in Rhode Island in July 2003, Sportstown USA snaked its way across the country announcing communities and spurring local events ranging from presentations in city council chambers to community-wide celebrations specifically designed to rally around the national designation. Creativity abounded with presentation events at half-time of a Pennsylvania State University football game, the start of the Iditarod and a pre-season Major League Baseball game. NRPA trustees, staff and state association leadership represented NRPA at all but two of these events, and Sports Illustrated staff traveled the entire United States to attend all celebrations. Overall attendance exceeded expectations with more than 40 mayors, 21 city managers, 164 city council members, 46 state legislators, five Federal legislators, five governors (or representatives), 117 professional athletes, 33 Olympians, 169 celebrities (local and national), more than 870 community organizations, and more than 228,000 citizens--all there to support parks and recreation. If that's not enough, Sports Illustrated also provided public relations efforts behind each event and garnered unbelievable public visibility for parks and recreation both locally and nationally.

With more than 250 applicants vying for the designation of Sportstown USA, the 50 chosen communities have more than the designation to be proud of--they are communities that foster their youth, cherish their elderly, understand the benefits of healthy lifestyles and physical activity, and the importance of play. They know about planning and community development as well as facility management and education. These are model cities that can improve their entire community, county and state by the standards they set.

Sportstown USA may have been an event to celebrate 50 years of sports for Sports Illustrated, but it turned out to be more than that--it invoked pride in grassroots sports and participation, and the true spirit that is parks and recreation. To review the entire list of state designations, log on to www.nrpa. org and click on Sportstown USA 50th.