Waukegan Park District wins national award

The National Recreation and Park Association awarded the Waukegan Park District its highest honor, the 2013 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, at its Annual Congress and Exposition in Houston, Texas.

The board of commissioners and senior staff were on hand Oct. 8 to accept the prestigious award.

The award honors the nation’s outstanding park and recreation agencies for excellence in the field of park and recreation management.

A panel of five parks and recreation professionals review and judge all application materials.

Judges are chosen for their considerable experience and knowledge in parks and recreation on both the local and national level.

Earlier this year, the Waukegan Park District received word that it and three other agencies were named finalists in Category III (based on population).

Finalists are judged on several criteria including how community needs are identified and met, excellence in financial and operational management, planning, environmental stewardship, health and wellness, communication and collaboration with other organizations in the community.

“The Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners couldn’t be more excited,” said Janet Kilkelly, president of the Waukegan Park District Board. “Receiving this honor recognizes and confirms the quality of benefits our residents enjoy daily through the park district.”