Simply the best: meet the 2005 Gold Medal Finalists--the nation's outstanding park and recreation agencies.

On Oct. 19, 24 agencies from across the nation will assemble in San Antonio, Texas, for one of the most anticipated ceremonies of the year in the park and recreation field. These agencies, the finalists for the 2005 National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, will eagerly wait to hear if they have been named a Grand Award Gold Medal winner. This honor recognizes years of hard work, dedication and abilities of park and recreation agencies as they strive to provide services and programs for their diverse populations.

In the meantime, the 24 agencies bask in the knowledge that they have achieved the coveted status of Gold Medal Finalists. That is no easy task itself--in 2005, 228 agencies submitted nominations, and through an extremely competitive, multi-step application process, four finalists were selected in each of the six classes (five classes based on population and one class for state park systems in odd-numbered years). Each agency is judged on the collective energies of its staff, citizens and elected officials with regards to: long-range planning, fiscal resource management, citizen support systems, environmental stewardship and professional development and recognition.

Retired Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department Director Richard Johns has served in various capacities as a guiding force in the evolution of the Gold Medals, and was a guest judge for 2005. He states, "It's such an honor to be named a finalist. The Gold Medals are a testimonial to the exemplary work park and recreation agencies and park systems are doing in serving their constituents."

Even though the Gold Medal judges feel stress from such a huge responsibility, they also enjoy the opportunity.

Cindy Messinger, resource management division director for the Fairfax County Park Authority in Virginia, has served for three years as a member of the judging panel. She says, "The quality level of facilities, programs and pride portrayed in the videos continue to amaze me. The competition seems to get tougher each year--it certainly hasn't gotten easier for us! However, it's very gratifying to see parks and recreation in action across the states."

Public programs and partnerships are the backbone of park and recreation agencies, which provide these initiatives from different perspectives and varied resources. Take a look at some of the unique projects and programs provided by the Gold Medal Finalists in their communities.

The National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management are presented by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration in partnership with NRPA. Proud sponsors include Porter Athletic Equipment Company and Musco Lighting, LLC.

Fun Fact

There are 15 universities and colleges located in San Antonio.

For more information on the Gold Medals, go to www.nrpa.org/awards.