Chicago, IL– In partnership with the National Recreation and Park Associate (“NRPA”), the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (“AAPRA”) has presented the Chicago Park District (“CPD”) with the 2014 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. The Chicago Park District represented one of four finalists selected from Class I, serving a population of 400,001 and over, and as of October 14, 2014, was named the Class I recipient of the 2014 Gold Medal Grand Plaque (shown below).
Since 1965, the Gold Medal Awards program has been honoring U.S. communities that, within parks and recreation, demonstrate the highest quality resource management, program development, volunteerism, and more. Aligned with this criteria, the CPD continually launches innovative and community focused programs, including “Night Out in the Parks” and “Chicago Plays,” which uphold the organizations core values to “enhance the quality of life in Chicago” and “provide safe, inviting, and beautifully maintained parks and facilities.”
This past spring, Clarity Partners, LLC (“Clarity”) lead the Chicago Park District’s responsive website redesign which aimed to promote CPD programs, events, and partners. Clarity is honored to see the Chicago Park District presented with such a fine award, based on their program opportunities, well-maintained facilities, and customer-focused responsive park system.
About the Chicago Park District
The Chicago Park District owns and operates over 7,500 acres of park property. This includes 570 parks and play lots, over 250 staffed park recreation centers, 6 golf courses, 10 major museums, a stadium, a zoo, and 24 miles of lakefront containing 9 harbors and 31 bathing beaches. There are approximately 450 buildings in the system, including several schools which are used jointly with the Chicago Board of Education. CPD offers a wide range of recreational and educational programs featuring both physical and cultural activities. The Park District is governed by a seven member board of commissioners appointed by the Mayor of Chicago. For more information on the Chicago Park District visit http://chicagoparkdistrict.com/.
About the National Recreation and Parks Association
The National Recreation and Parks Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation, and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people. Through its network of 47,500 recreation and park professionals, as well as citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles, conservation initiatives and equitable access to parks and public space. For more information regarding the NRPA, please visit www.nrpa.org.
For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visitwww.parksandrecreation.org.
About Clarity Partners
Clarity Partners is a Chicago-based, full-service management and information technology consulting firm that specializes in delivering comprehensive solutions to complex public sector and non-profit challenges. We provide management consulting, enterprise performance management, application development, website design and development, cloud solutions, project management, and IT staffing services to a diverse mix of businesses across the full spectrum of industries.