Mayor Linda Gorto, City of Lexington | City of Lexington website
Mayor Linda Gorto, City of Lexington | City of Lexington website
Lexington Parks & Recreation has been named a finalist for the National Gold Medal Award, which is managed by the American Academy for Parks and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) in collaboration with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). The award recognizes excellence in parks and recreation across various categories. Lexington was selected as a finalist in Class II, encompassing cities with populations between 150,001 and 400,000.
Monica Conrad, Director of Lexington Parks & Recreation, expressed pride in the achievement: “I could not be prouder of our city and division for being chosen as a finalist for this award,” she said. She attributed this success to the efforts of staff, community partners, and volunteers. Conrad emphasized the ongoing work to meet goals outlined in their Master Plan.
The Gold Medal Awards program was established in 1965 to honor communities that excel in areas such as long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development, and agency recognition. Applications are divided into seven classes based on population size or specific types of park systems.
Mayor Linda Gorton praised Lexington's parks: “It is no secret that we love our parks here in Lexington," she stated. With over 100 parks and various facilities throughout the city, Mayor Gorton congratulated Director Conrad and her team for their dedication to improving the park system.
This year marks the first time in over 15 years that Lexington Parks & Recreation applied for this award. Other finalists included Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation (VA), Roseville Parks, Recreation & Libraries Department (CA), with South Suburban Park and Recreation District (CO) winning this year's award.
Lexington Parks & Recreation manages over 100 city parks along with pools, golf courses, community centers, recreational programs, and arts venues. More information can be found by following @LexKYParks on social media or subscribing to their newsletter.
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