Carol Stream Park District wins best in the nation

The people of Carol Stream play to win.

Literally.

That's why the Carol Stream Park District's recreation programs earned the National Gold Medal Award this year from the National Recreation and Parks Association.

The prestigious honor goes to only five of the top-achieving park districts in the nation based on population, making Carol Stream the best for the 25,001 to 50,000 population category.

Tom Quash, spokesman for the national parks association, compares the honor to the Academy Awards.

"It's almost like the Oscars when they actually present it at our annual conference (which happens each fall)," Quash said. " It's a room filled with 8,000 people, no one knows who will win. It's a very big deal, with a lot of excitement and a lot of energy."

To trumpet the win, Carol Stream Park District staff will host a celebration for residents and local officials today at the Simkus Recreation Center. The park district's gymnasts and dance team will perform and five local restaurants will provide free munchies.

Competition for the award is fierce, park officials said. Agencies are judged on strategic and long-range planning, progressive management, staff quality and environmental stewardship.

They also must prove how well they serve community needs and address local challenges and demonstrate how much support they get from local residents.

"It's a very rigorous process," Quash said. "They have to make a really good case to prove why they should be recognized."

Other Illinois park districts that made it to the finals this year in various categories include: Arlington Heights, Batavia, Elmhurst, Hoffman Estates, Peoria, St. Charles, Sterling and Vernon Hills.

This is the second time Carol Stream Park District has won the National Gold Medal Award; the first was in 2002. Once an agency wins it cannot apply again for six years, and this is Carol Stream Park District's first attempt at since its last win.

If you go

What: National Gold Medal Award Celebration for the Carol Stream Park District

When: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13

Where: Simkus Recreation Center, 849 W. Lies Road, Carol Stream

Cost: Free

Info: (630) 784-6100 or csparks.org