The City of New Braunfels has been named the winner of the 2024 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AARPA) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). The announcement was made during the 2024 NRPA Conference happening this week in Atlanta, Georgia.
New Braunfels was one of four finalist cities in the 75,001 to 100,000 population category, which also included the City of North Port, FL Parks & Recreation Department, Plainfield, IL Park District, and Waukegan, IL Park District. Founded in 1965, the National Gold Medal Awards program honors communities in the United States that demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development, and agency recognition.
“This recognition is a great honor for the City of New Braunfels and all the hard-working staff of the Parks and Recreation Department,” said New Braunfels Parks and Recreation Director Chad Donegan. “This recognizes our commitment to providing high quality park facilities, recreation programming, fitness opportunities, and events for all residents of New Braunfels.”
A panel of five highly qualified park and recreation professionals from across the country reviewed and judged the applications looking for the agencies’ ability to address the needs of those they serve through the collective energies of community members, staff members, and elected officials. New Braunfels was one of six Gold Medals awarded to agencies of various sizes nationwide during this week’s conference.
For more information on the National Gold Medal Award Program, visit www.aapra.org. For more information on the New Braunfels Parks and Recreation Department, visit www.newbraunfels.gov/parks.