The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association has named Bristol’s Department of Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services (BPRYCS) a finalist for the 2024 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management on for the third-consecutive year

“I’m incredibly proud to have the outstanding work of our parks, recreation, youth and community services team recognized on the national stage with this prestigious award nomination,” said Superintendent Dr. Josh Medeiros in the release announcing BPRYCS’ achievement.

In advance of October’s Award ceremony, BPRYCS created a five-minute video highlighting the department’s core services and values. A panel of five park and recreation professionals will review all materials. Judges are chosen for their considerable experience and knowledge in parks and recreation both locally and nationally. The video is available at www.bristolrec.com.

Other finalists joining Bristol in their class (populations 30,001 – 75,000) include Douglasville Parks and Recreation (Douglasville, GA), Glenview Park District (Glenview, IL), and the Park District of Oak Park (Oak Park, IL).

The National Gold Medal Award program was founded in 1965 and honors Public Park and recreation agencies and state park systems throughout the United States that demonstrate excellence in long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, and professional development.

For more information on the National Gold Medal Award Program, visit www.aapra.org or www.nrpa.org/goldmedal.