PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2026) — Palm Beach County’s park system is now in the running for one of the highest honors in public recreation, placing it among the top agencies in the country.
The Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department has been named a finalist for the 2026 National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, a national program administered by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association.
The designation puts Palm Beach County in the Class I category, which includes agencies serving populations over 400,000 — the largest and most competitive class in the program.
The Gold Medal Awards, established in 1965, recognize park systems across the United States based on long-range planning, resource management, environmental stewardship, volunteerism, and overall operational excellence. The program also evaluates innovation, professional development, and how agencies serve their communities.
Palm Beach County is one of a small group of finalists advancing to the final stage of judging. A panel of five professionals in parks and recreation management reviews each application, assessing both documentation and measurable outcomes across those categories.
County officials said the recognition reflects both internal operations and public use of the system.
“This recognition reflects the incredible dedication of our staff, the continued support of our Board of County Commissioners and County Administration, and the strong connection our residents have to their parks and public spaces,” said Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Director Jennifer Cirillo.
Cirillo said the county’s parks system plays a broader role beyond recreation, including environmental protection and economic activity tied to public spaces.
“Parks and recreation play an essential role in building healthy communities, protecting natural resources and driving positive economic impact throughout Palm Beach County,” she said.
Palm Beach County’s system includes dozens of regional parks, nature preserves, golf courses, aquatic facilities, and community centers spread across the county. Programs serve a wide range of residents, including youth sports leagues, senior programming, adaptive recreation services, and environmental education.
The department is also accredited through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies, a national standard that evaluates operational practices and service delivery.
The final award — known as the Grand Plaque — will be announced Sept. 30, 2026, during the National Recreation and Park Association’s annual conference in Philadelphia.
If selected, Palm Beach County would join a group of past winners recognized as benchmark systems nationwide.
The National Recreation and Park Association represents more than 68,000 members and promotes parks and recreation as a driver of public health, environmental sustainability, and community development. The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, a nonprofit organization, oversees the awards program and supports research and professional advancement in the field.
For Palm Beach County residents, the finalist designation signals continued investment and recognition of a system that serves as a daily touchpoint — from neighborhood parks and playgrounds to large-scale regional facilities.
The outcome will be decided later this year.
Source: Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department / NRPA / AAPRA
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