National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.

2005 Finalists

Class I (Population More Than 250,000)

City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine, Long Beach, Calif.

A Facility Use Agreement between the City of Long Beach and the Long Beach Unified School District provides a mechanism for joint use of public facilities to maximize the full range of services and programs in adjacent neighborhoods. The Department currently uses district facilities to provided supervised drop-in recreation programs at more than 20 school sites on a daily basis.

Indianapolis Department of Parks and Recreation, Indianapolis, Ind.

The park revitalization effort included relocating basketball courts within the park, renovating the existing pool and bathhouse, adding a spray area, adding a soccer and baseball field, renovating the parking lot and installing a walking trail around the park.

County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation, San Diego, Calif.

Youth ages 10-17 were surveyed to find out priority recreational interests, funding was secured and the Outdoor Adventure Program was born. This program targets low-income homes that struggle to provide basic needs, and provides unique first-time outdoor experiences such as surfing, rock climbing, kayaking and mountain biking. Through this program, at-risk youth ascertain environmental appreciation, develop positive self-esteem, learn leadership skills and are cultivated as future environmental stewards.

Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Division, Saint Paul, Minn.

Kellogg Street medians characterize the Blooming Saint Paul "cleanup/ spruce up" initiative started in 2002 that includes 141 major planting locations, 46 partnering organizations and six operating teams dedicated to the ongoing project.

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

City of Bellevue Parks and Community Services Department, Bellevue, Wash.

Bellevue's unique 2,500-acre park system reflects the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest while providing many recreation and leisure opportunities.

City of Westminster Department of Parks, Recreation and Libraries, Westminster, Colo.

The Promenade Terrace is a beautiful amphitheater, stage, garden and dramatic waterfall nestled into a hillside along a creek side trail in the Westminster Promenade complex. The Promenade is an 80-acre, $200 million pedestrian mixed-use entertainment complex featuring a 24-screen theater, 1/3-mile pedestrian walkway, five-star hotel and conference center, lake, fountains, a three-sheet ice arena and numerous shops and restaurants.

City of Peoria Community Services Department, Peoria, Ariz.

Batter up! Spring Training at the Peoria Sports Complex is an annual draw for baseball aficionados, parents and their kids, and those just looking for an exciting way to spend a spring afternoon. Partnering with the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres has enabled funding for enhancements at Peoria youth multi-purpose fields.

Lake Metroparks, Concord Twp., Ohio

Leisure activities at Chagrin River Park provide the ability to improve health through recreation patterns for the family.

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

Bend Metro Park and Recreation District, Bend, Ore.

Larkspur Park is home of the Bend Senior Center and the "all-children's" playground, designed for children of all abilities to play together. The playground was built in partnership with four local Rotary Clubs. The Larkspur Trail joins the park to surrounding neighborhoods and the Urban Trail System.

Wheaton Park District, Wheaton, Ill.

The Rail Skate Park serves teen skaters of varying abilities with portable vert riding (ramps) and street riding (rails, boxes and benches). To meet the needs of this specialized population, the Wheaton Park District created an innovative facility spearheaded by the valuable input of teen focus groups.

Bolingbrook Park District, Bolingbrook, Ill.

More than 300 youth, ages 6-18, participate in the Bolingbrook Park District Power Dance Project Afterschool Program. Children learn hip hop dance techniques and a lesson in Character Counts!

Foothills Park and Recreation District, Littleton, Colo.

The Edge Ice Arena is Denver's newest public ice-skating facility. This 80,000-square-foot arena includes two NHL-size rinks, a pro shop, eight hockey locker rooms, concession areas, figure skating locker rooms, public meeting and party rooms and skate rental room.

Class IV (25,001-50,000)

city and County of Broomfield Recreation Services, Broomfield, Colo.

With the completion of the second phase, this complex now consists of four lighted ball fields, two lighted in-line hockey rinks, a basketball court, picnic shelter, playground and concession facility. More than 150 youth teams call this complex home during the spring, summer and fall seasons.

James City County Parks and Recreation, Williamsburg, Va.

The James County Greenway Master Plan addresses growth issues while also accomplishing its main goal to balance environmental protection with the need for recreational awareness.

Homewood-Flossmoor Park District, Flossmoor, Ill.

Millennium Park, one of three Homewood-Flossmoor Park District "Keep it Green" Referendum properties, was dedicated on June 16, 2001. The Homewood-Flossmoor community celebrated the park's grand opening en masse--and the children present took full advantage of the park's new Splash Pad water playground on the hot summer day.

Town of Leesburg Department of Parks and Recreation, Leesburg, Va.

The Town of Leesburg's Flower and Garden Festival is a unique two-day event developed in partnership with the park and recreation department, citizen and community groups, as well as town agencies. The street festival transforms five blocks of the 18th century historic downtown area into a botanical garden, attracting more than 35,000 people.

Class V (Population Less Than 25,000)

Bloomingdale Park District, Bloomingdale, Ill.

Construction of the $4-million Oasis water park was completed in 2005. The District secured funds through the sale of bonds as well as a $1.125 million grant from Illinois. The Oasis provides new aquatic opportunities for residents including expanded programming for all ages. The Oasis features a zero-depth leisure pool with play features, an eight-lane competitive pool, a speed slide, a thrill slide, a drop slide, diving boards, water walk and Sprayground.

City of North Platte Leisure and Public Services, North Platte, Neb.

The 20th Century Veterans Memorial Dedication. $1.8 million-dollar memorial located in Iron Horse Park at the intersection of 1-80 and Highway 83 Veterans Memorial Highway)

City of Lake Forest Parks and Recreation, Lake Forest, Ill.

In 2001, the Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Department Sailing Director was awarded the U.S. Sailing "Director of a Year Round Sailing Program" award. In 2002 the Department also received the U.S. Sailing "Outstanding Year Round Program" award. In 2003 the Department received the Illinois Parks & Recreation Association "Outstanding Program" award, and has twice been chosen to host the Jr. Olympic Sailing Festival.

Frankfort Square Park District, Frankfort, Ill.

Square Links Golf Course is a great facility for golfers of all abilities. Friendly, knowledgeable staff welcome all patrons in a warm and inviting manner. Whether you are a seasoned golfer or are new to the game, this course provides enjoyable recreation at an affordable price. State Parks System Class

North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation

A park ranger at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area leads a school group on a nature hike. All rangers in North Carolina State Parks are enrolled in a program to become certified environmental educators and undergo skills training to develop and present interpretive programs. The parks system considers education a central part of its mission.

Florida State Parks, Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

At Florida's Manatee Springs State Park visitors enjoy swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving in the constant 70-degree crystal clear spring waters. In the winter months, endangered manatees swim up the Suwannee River to spend the night in the warm spring headwaters. The Florida Springs Initiative, the first comprehensive program to protect Florida's 700 freshwater springs, funded 19 stormwater management, wastewater treatment and erosion control projects at nine state parks with springs.

Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Division of State Parks

At 225 miles long, Katy Trail State Park is the longest developed rail-to-trail conversion project in the nation. The trail also provides opportunities for hikers and bicyclists to explore Missouri's natural and cultural resources, such as this historic railroad tunnel outside of Rocheport.

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation 

Enjoying the view from the Cumberland Trail at Laurel Snow Pocket Wilderness State Natural Area. When complete, the Cumberland Trail will be Tennessee's first linear state park, stretching nearly 340 miles from Georgia to Kentucky. The trail will connect state parks, natural areas and national historic sites along the length of the Cumberland Plateau.