The Texas Gold Medal Awards are modeled after those of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). These awards honor departments for excellence in the field of recreation and park management for the past three (3) years.
2018 Awards
Class Two – Frisco
Frisco is one of the fastest growing cities in the country, and has been called “the best place to raise a family” and “the best place to raise an athlete” by national media. Frisco Parks and Recreation keeps pace with demand thanks to a clear mission and vision, along with city and community support, to provide quality parks, recreation and cultural opportunities to the more than 170,000 people who call Frisco “home.” The department’s mission is to deliver exceptional experience in culture, discovery, wellness and play to citizens and visitors alike, and to continually enhance the city’s livability and vibrancy.
Class Three – Pflugerville
The City of Pflugerville Parks and Recreation Departments is dedicated to providing opportunities for increased health and wellness through providing recreational activities promoting physical, emotional, intellectual, cutural and social well-being for all. With 26 developed parks and over a dozen more parks underdevelopment for the future, the City of Pflugerville strives to implement new programs to provide further benefits to the citizens in the community to meet the diverse demands of a fast-growing population.
2017 Awards
Class Two – Abilene
The City of Abilene Parks, Recreation, and Senior Services Divisions enhances the quality of life for Abilene residents by delivering exceptional parks, athletic facilities, arts & humanities programs, a variety of award winning and unique recreation opportunity, and diverse senior services. The combined departments are responsible for 31 parks, 4 recreation centers, a tennis center, 3 splash pads, a dog park, senior center, an aquatic center, 3 rental facilities, 5,991 acres of open space, and 18 ballfields that are utilized by thousands of residents and guests.
Class Three – Mansfield
In 2010, the Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trails Master Plan was adopted with the overriding theme of “Building on Success”. Many of the goals from that master plan have been accomplished between 2014 and 2016 including opening new facilities, adding new programs and making improvements to the existing parks and facilities. As the Mansfield Parks and Recreation Department continues to grow, “Building on Success” continues to be the focus of the staff and the residents of Mansfield.
Class Four – Rockwall
Rockwall was awarded over $800,000 from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) grants to develop two neighborhood parks adding 77 acres to the parks inventory, using no local tax dollars. Rockwall was also recently awarded an additional $400,000 from TPWD Boating Access Grant. City Council authorized a business plan that includes 15 strategic initiatives in 2015 to drive projects for staff development, additional parks and facilities, a “Go Outside and Play” public awareness campaign, habitat enhancement projects, operational improvements and programs for those with special needs. Rockwall also invested $490,000 in a new playground geared for those with disabilities and over $500,000 in athletic facilities improvements.