Des Moines Parks and Recreation has earned recognition as a finalist for the 2021 National Gold Medal Awards, a prestigious accolade that honors excellence in park and recreation management in the U. S. The awards program, founded in 1965, evaluates agencies on their long-term planning, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. Competing in Class II, which includes cities with populations between 150,001 and 400,000, Des Moines stands alongside notable finalists like Chesterfield County and Tampa Parks and Recreation. Director Benjamin R.

Page highlighted the extraordinary efforts of the team in providing safe recreational spaces amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. A panel of qualified professionals will assess the finalists, leading to the announcement of Grand Plaque Award recipients during the NRPA Conference scheduled for September 21-23 in Nashville, Tennessee. This honor reflects the department's commitment to fostering community well-being and environmental responsibility. For more information on the awards, visit the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration's website. The recognition serves as a testament to the impact of parks and recreation on public health and community engagement.