Board of County Commissioners recognizes Johnson County Park and Recreation District for 2025 National Gold Medal Award

During its meeting on Thursday, the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners offered special recognition to the county's Park and Recreation District for its achievement in once again being named the National Gold Medal Grand Plaque award recipient.

The highest honor in the field of parks and recreation management, the National Gold Medal Award is presented by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association. This most prestigious award honors public park and recreation agencies, state park systems and armed forces recreation programs that provide park and recreation services with excellence.

The award recognizes communities that demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through:

• Long-range planning: Effective strategies for future development and sustainability
• Resource management: Efficient use of resources to enhance community services
• Innovative approaches: Creative solutions to deliver superb park and recreation services with fiscally sound business practices.

JCPRD was one of only four finalists nationwide for the award, and it earned top honors in Class I (serving populations of 400,001 and over). This year's award marks the third time JCPRD has received the National Gold Medal, following previous victories in 1995 and 2017.

Chairman Mike Kelly was joined by BOCC Commissioners in expressing their congratulations to JCPRD for the achievement during Thursday's meeting.

"The parks and recreation system we have built in Johnson County is truly outstanding, and this national recognition is incredibly well deserved," said Kelly. "It reflects the vision, passion and innovation of our JCPRD staff and board into delivering incredible experiences that our entire community can enjoy and benefit from - now, and for years to come."

JCPRD is a fully accredited agency, passing all 154 CAPRA standards, that manages more than 10,400 acres of parkland, 150 miles of trails and 25 recreation and cultural facilities. Each year, JCPRD offers more than 4,000 programs and events and welcomes approximately 10 million visitors and participants.

To learn more about Johnson County parks, facilities, recreation opportunities, activities for all ages and more, please visit the Johnson County Park and Recreation District website.