The Homewood-Flossmoor Park District was named one of the four top park districts in the country by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).
Debbie Kopas presents the finalist award to Steve Johnson,
park board president, at the Oct. 17 board meeting.
H-F Park District was recognized as one of the four
top park districts in the nation.
(Photo by Marilyn Thomas/H-F Chronicle)
The Homewood-Flossmoor Park District was named one of the four top park districts in the country by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).
Executive Director Debbie Kopas received the finalist honor for the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management at the association’s annual meeting in New Orleans in September. The award is given by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration in partnership with NRPA.
Steve Johnson, president of the parks’ board of commissioners, accepted the award from Kopas at the board’s Oct. 17 meeting. Although the H-F Park District didn’t win the grand prize, Johnson said it is quite a recognition to be selected one of the four best park districts in the nation.
He also thanked staff for their continued work in the parks and with park programs.
Johnson said the recognition is something that is shared by the employees of the parks whose work helped win the honor.
“I just want you all to know how much we appreciate your efforts,” he said. “This award adds a little benefit to all you do.”
The park district was judged in the Class V category for communities with a population under 30,000. The award, established in 1965, honors communities that demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development and agency recognition.
H-F Park District last won the top honor in 2006, and was nominated in 2016.