AWARDS & RECOGNITION
The Park District works to be a leader among park and recreation agencies throughout the country. By voluntarily submitting itself to the accreditation and awards processes listed below, the community and staff can be assured that the Park District meets or exceeds current industry standards and has processes in place to best serve the Oak Park community.  Â
National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Gold Medal Award
1966 Gold Medal Winner
The Gold Medal Award, managed through the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association, 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. A Gold Medal Award is valid for five years.
Commission for Accreditation of Park & Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) National Accreditation
CAPRA is the only national accreditation of park and recreation agencies and is a valuable measure of an agency’s overall quality of operation, management, and service to the community. Achieving CAPRA accreditation is the best way to demonstrate that the agency and staff provide the community with the highest level of service.
Illinois Distinguished Agency Accreditation
2020-2025
2014-2019Â
This accreditation is awarded to Park Districts by the Illinois Association of Park Districts and the Illinois Parks & Recreation Association. It is granted to those that work toward improving the quality of life for Illinois residents and to recognize those agencies that provide exceptional Park and Recreation services to their community through a voluntary, comprehensive, professional accreditation process.
IPRA Outstanding Park or Facility Award
2024, Community Recreation Center
The IPRA Outstanding Park and Facility Award is presented to public agencies for outstanding and unique achievements in the design and development of new or renovated recreations parks and facilities.
IPRA Exceptional Workplace Award
2016
The Health and Wellness Committee awards the EWA to agencies who identify and achieve a high level of health and wellness for their employees and recognize their achievements.
IPRA Champions for Change
The IPRA Champions of Change award is presented to an agency with unique and exemplary practices of increasing access and fostering diversity and inclusion within their community or organization. These are measurable practices that remove barriers, result in positive social change, and inspire others to follow in their path. It improves the working experience and engagement levels of employees from underrepresented communities, and/or the lives of all people through the delivery of excellent services that provide social equity and access in the community.
IAPD Best Green Practices
2016-2024
The IAPD Best Green Practices Award is presented to a park district, forest preserve, conservation, recreation, or special recreation agency that has taken the initiative to incorporate and encourage environmentally friendly business practices and policies.
Illinois Green Alliance Emerald Award
The Illinois Green Alliance Emerald Awards celebrate outstanding green building achievements in Illinois by providing recognition to organizations, people, buildings, and technologies.Â
Alliance for Innovation Robert J. Havlick Award for Innovation in Local Government
2017, “Launch Pad: Getting Good Ideas Off the Ground”
Park District Risk Management Agency (PDRMA) Level A Accreditation
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
2012-2023
Silver International Aquatic Safety Award
2024
Ellis & Associates: International Audit Awards benchmarking aquatic safety excellence via unannounced audits.
ILSTMA Field of the Year
2016, Longfellow Park
Soccer Field of the Year
2017, Longfellow Park
Environmental Facility Certification
2017-2012, Longfellow Park
American Camp Association (ACA) AccreditationÂ
Accredited since 1998
The American Camp Association is the only nationwide accrediting organization for all types and designs of organized camps. ACA standards focus on health, safety, and risk management practices. Accreditation provides a framework to manage resources, offer best practices in policies and procedures, and strive for continuous improvement.
