The Homewood-Flossmoor Park District received recognition from the National Recreation and Park District Association (NRPDA) for its outstanding work. The National Gold Medal finalist honor was presented to H-F Park District at the NRPDA annual meeting in St. Louis on Oct. 5.
of Commissioners, and Debbie Kopas, executive
director of the park district, show off the National
Gold Medal finalist award the district received in
October. (Photo by Marlyn Thomas/H-F Chronicle)
The Homewood-Flossmoor Park District received recognition from the National Recreation and Park District Association (NRPDA) for its outstanding work.
The National Gold Medal finalist honor was presented to H-F Park District at the NRPDA annual meeting in St. Louis on Oct. 5.
Staff accepted one of the three finalist awards in the competition for park districts with a population under 30,000. H-F Park District was judged on its ability to address the needs of community residents through the collective energies of citizens, staff and elected officials.
“It is an honor to be recognized as a finalist and one of the top park and recreation agencies in the country,” said Park District Executive Director Debbie Kopas.
At the park board’s Oct. 18 meeting, commissioners lauded staff for their efforts that won the finalist award.
“To be a finalist is unbelievable,” said Commissioner Debbie Dennison. “Kudos to the staff.”
Her comments were seconded by the other commissioners, including Steve Johnson who said “the reality, I think, is the community recognizes the work you do each and every day.”
The park district owns 31 park sites and controls more than 365 acres of land. Its parks include a skateboard park, 25 outdoor tennis courts, 12 soccer fields and 12 baseball fields.
Park District facilities include H-F Racquet & Fitness Club, Coyote Run Golf Course and Wiley’s Grill restaurant, H-F Ice Arena, Marie Irwin Community Center, Goldberg Administration Center, H-F Park District Auditorium, The Clubhouse at Dolphin Lake, Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center and Lions Club Pool.