News: Bristol named Finalist for 2025 National Gold Medal Award

Bristol named Finalist for 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management
BPRYCS Among Top Four Agencies in the Country



Bristol, CT – [July 7, 2025] The City of Bristol’s Department of Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services (BPRYCS) was named a finalist for the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management on for the fourth-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.

 “We are honored to be named a finalist for the Gold Medal Award again this year,” said BPRYCS Superintendent Dr. Josh Medeiros. “This is a huge accomplishment and formal recognition of our commitment to delivering high-quality services and facilities, meeting the diverse needs of all citizens, and building a sustainable future.”

In announcing the 2025 National Gold Medal Finalists, AAPRA Executive Director Jane H. Adams shared, “Each agency is commended for submitting an application for the prestigious National Gold Medal Award. The Academy congratulates the 20 local park and recreation agencies, the four armed forces installations, and the three state park systems on receiving the Finalist award. We look forward to presenting these awards at the Gold Medal Gala Reception in Orlando, Florida, 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 City of Rockville, Department of Recreation and Parks (Rockville, MD), Glenview Park District (Glenview, IL), and the Park District of Oak Park (Oak Park, IL).

One Finalist agency in each class will receive the Grand Plaque, which will be presented during the 2025 National Recreation and Park Association’s Annual Conference, held September 16-18 in Orlando, Florida. In advance of September’s Award ceremony, BPRYCS created a 5-minute video highlighting the department’s core services and values. Finalists were selected by a panel of park and recreation professionals based on their ability to meet community needs through collaboration among residents, staff and elected leaders. Judges are chosen for their considerable experience and knowledge in parks and recreation both locally and nationally. The video is available at www.bristolrec.com.

For more information on the National Gold Medal Award Program, visit www.aapra.org or www.nrpa.org/goldmedal.
 
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The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) is a non-profit organization founded to advance knowledge related to the administration of recreation and parks; to encourage scholarly efforts by both practitioners and educators that would enhance the practice of park and recreation administration; to promote broader public understanding of the importance of parks and recreation to the public good; and, to conduct research, publish scholarly papers and sponsor seminars related to the advancement of park and recreation administration. For information, visit www.aapra.org.
 
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With more than 60,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and advocates — the catalysts for positive change in service of equity, environmental resilience, and overall health and well-being. For more information, visit nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit parksandrecreation.org.
 
About the City of Bristol Department of Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services
It is the mission of the City of Bristol Department of Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services (BPRYCS) to deliver high-quality services and facilities that enhance the community’s quality of life, meet the diverse needs of all citizens, and build a sustainable future.