Des Moines Parks and Recreation has been recognized as a finalist for the 2020 National Gold Medal Awards, a significant accolade that honors excellence in park and recreation management across the U. S. The awards program, established in 1965, evaluates applications based on multiple criteria, including long-range planning and environmental stewardship. Competing in the Class II category for cities with populations between 150,001 and 400,000, Des Moines joins three other finalists in a bid for the prestigious Grand Plaque Award. Director Benjamin R.

Page expressed pride in the department’s achievements, emphasizing the hard work of the team and its commitment to community service. A panel of five knowledgeable judges will assess the finalists, ensuring a fair evaluation based on their extensive experience in the field. The winners will be announced during the NRPA Conference, which will be held virtually in October 2020. This recognition reflects the vital role that parks and recreation play in fostering community engagement and environmental sustainability. It also highlights the ongoing support from sponsors like Musco Lighting, which has contributed to the awards for over 20 years.