News: Bristol named Finalist for 2024 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management

Bristol named Finalist for 2024 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management
BPRYCS Among Top Four Agencies in the Country

Bristol, CT – [July 18, 2024] The City of Bristol’s Department of Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services (BPRYCS) was named a finalist for the 2024 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management on for the third-consecutive year, by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).

The National Gold Medal Award program was founded in 1965 and honors Public Park and recreation agencies and state park systems throughout the United States that demonstrate excellence in long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, and professional development.
 “I’m incredibly proud to have the outstanding work of our parks, recreation, youth and community services team recognized on the national stage with this prestigious award nomination”, said Superintendent Dr. Josh Medeiros.

In announcing the 2024 National Gold Medal Finalists, AAPRA Executive Director Jane H. Adams shared, “The Academy congratulates the 20 local park and recreation agencies and the four-armed forces installations on receiving the Finalist award. We look forward to presenting these awards at the Gold Medal Gala Reception in Atlanta, Georgia, as part of the National Recreation and Park Association’s annual conference.”

Other finalists joining Bristol in their class (populations 30,001 – 75,000) include Douglasville Parks and Recreation (Douglasville, GA), Glenview Park District (Glenview, IL), and the Park District of Oak Park (Oak Park, IL).

In advance of October’s Award ceremony, BPRYCS created a 5-minute video highlighting the department’s core services and values. A panel of five park and recreation professionals will review all materials. Judges are chosen for their considerable experience and knowledge in parks and recreation both locally and nationally.

Watch the Video

For more information on the National Gold Medal Award Program, visit www.aapra.org or www.nrpa.org/goldmedal.