Montgomery Parks is a finalist in the 2023 National Gold Medal Awards for excellence in park and recreation management, according to the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC).
Also included with Montgomery Parks is Prince George’s County Parks program.
The award is from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association. M-NCPPC previously has won six gold medals.
“The Gold Medal Award represents the highest standard by which park and recreation agencies are assessed. Montgomery Parks is honored to be a finalist for this award in the company of several other agencies of distinction. It is a testament to the important work we do to improve the quality of people’s lives,” said Mike Riley, director of Montgomery Parks, in a news release.
MNCPPC’s application cited its work managing physical growth and plan communities; protecting and stewarding natural, cultural and historic resources and providing leisure and recreational experiences.
Highlighted in the application was the variety of interests served, including cricket, pickleball, therapeutic horseback riding, mountain biking, gardening and museum visiting, according to the news release.
M-NCPPC is one of four finalists in the category of agencies serving more than 400,000 residents.
The Gold Medal Awards will be presented at the National Recreation and Parks Association conference in October.
I'm thrilled to announce that @MontgomeryParks has been nominated as a finalist for the National Recreation & Parks Association Gold Medal as the best park system in the country. We have won an unprecedented 6 times, and are going for #7! https://t.co/qURm7QtU2w
— Mike Riley (@MikeRileyParks) May 1, 2023
