Kettering Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department Finalist for National Award

The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), is pleased to announce the Kettering Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts Department is a finalist for the 2012 National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.

“We’re honored to be selected as a finalist,” said Mary Beth Thaman, director of the Kettering Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department. “Winning a Gold Medal Award is the highest honor a department can receive from NRPA.”

Kettering has won the Gold Medal Award previously in 1994 and 1977 and was a finalist in 2011.

“We do what we do to meet the needs of our residents,” explained Thaman. “With the support of our elected officials and residents we are able to provide the highest quality programs and facilities not only in Ohio, but in the country.”

The 2012 Gold Medal Class III finalists are (population 50,001 – 100,000):

City of Kettering Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts, Ohio
James City County Parks and Recreation, Williamsburg, VA.
Rosewell Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs, GA.
Waukegan Park District, IL.

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 the local and national levels. This year’s winners will be announced live during NRPA’s Annual Congress & Exposition in Anaheim, CA., Oct. 16 - 18, 2012.

Founded in 1965, the Gold Medal Awards program honors communities in the U.S. that demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development and agency recognition. Applications are separated into five classes based on population and agencies are judged on their ability to address the needs of those they serve through the collective energies of citizens, staff and elected officials. Four finalists in each class are chosen to compete for grand honors each year.

For more information on the Kettering Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department or the Gold Medal Awards, call 296-2454 or visit www.nrpa.org/awards or www.aapra.org.