OAK PARK, IL (September 25, 2025)—For the third time in history, the Park District of Oak Park has been named the best in the nation for park and recreation management. The District received the Grand Plaque in the 2025 National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, the highest honor in the field on September 17 at the National Recreation and Parks Association’s national conference in Orlando, FL.
The Gold Medal Award, presented by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) recognizes public park and recreation agencies and state park systems across the United States that demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation. Agencies are judged on their vision, innovation, environmental stewardship, programming, and commitment to serving residents. Each year, only one agency is selected as the national winner in each population category.
“This award is a true testament to the vision and dedication of our entire community,” said Kassie Porrecca, President of the Park District Board of Commissioners. “Our residents, staff, volunteers, and fellow commissioners have all played a role in achieving this honor. Winning the Gold Medal for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management affirms that Oak Park is not only a wonderful place to live but also a national leader creating parks and programs that enrich the lives of our residents every day.”
Agencies across the country undergo a rigorous review and are judged on their management expertise to address the needs of those they serve through the collective energies of community members, staff members, and elected officials. In March, the Park District was named as one of only four Finalists in Class IV, representing communities with populations of 30,001 to 75,000, a remarkable achievement in itself.
Advancing to the Grand Plaque round placed the District among the very best park and recreation agencies in the nation. In the final stage, each Finalist submitted a five-minute video in support of their application, highlighting their story and accomplishments. Additionally, the judges reviewed progress on the Park District’s Comprehensive and Strategic Plans.
A panel of five park and recreation professionals judged all application materials. Judges are chosen for their considerable experience and knowledge of parks and recreation on both the local and national levels.
“We are incredibly honored to be recognized on a national stage for the work we do every day in partnership with our community,” said Jan Arnold, Executive Director of the Park District of Oak Park. “Earning the Gold Medal is the highest honor we could earn and is a reflection of our team’s commitment to providing high-quality, accessible recreational opportunities, maintaining beautiful parks, and creating meaningful experiences for all.”
The Park District of Oak Park has a proud history with the Gold Medal Award program. The District earned the Grand Plaque in 1966, the inaugural year of the award, and again in 2015. In addition, the Park District has been recognized as a national Finalist for the past five consecutive years, an accomplishment that demonstrates the District’s sustained excellence and leadership in the field. The District credits its success to the strong support of Oak Park residents, whose participation, feedback, and involvement continue to shape parks, programs, and facilities.
The Park District invites the community to celebrate this national achievement by exploring the parks, programs, and facilities that make Oak Park a great place to live, work, and play.
For more information on the National Gold Medal Award program, visit www.nrpa.org/goldmedal or www.aapra.org.
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About Park District of Oak Park: The Park District of Oak Park serves the recreation needs of Oak Park’s 54,000 residents, providing nearly 8,000 programs and special events annually throughout our versatile recreation centers, 18 parks totaling 84 acres, a community recreation center, two outdoor pools, an indoor ice rink, a gymnastic center, the Oak Park Conservatory, Cheney Mansion and Pleasant Home. Since 1912, our high-quality programs and well-maintained parks and facilities have dependably met residents’ diverse leisure, wellness, childcare and other needs and helped enhance quality of life. Learn more at pdop.org.
