City's Parks Department is Finalist for National Gold Medal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 26, 2007

For more information contact:
Mick Renneisen, Director, City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation, (812) 349-3700
Marianne O'Riley, Awards Coordinator, National Recreation and Park Association, (703) 858-2190

Bloomington, IN -- Mayor Mark Kruzan announced today that the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department has been named a finalist for the 2007 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence. The Gold Medal Award is presented annually by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association to communities throughout the U.S. for excellence in park and recreation administration.

"Congratulations to the Parks and Recreation Department for once again being recognized on the national level for its exceptional parks and programs," said Mayor Mark Kruzan. "The recognition is well deserved and the terrific Parks staff should be applauded."

The City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation is one of four Class III finalists. Cities with a population of 50,001 to 100,000 are considered Class III cities. Other Class III finalists are Bolingbrook Park District, Arlington Heights Park District, and Hoffman Estates Park District, all from Illinois.

"We are proud to again be named a finalist for this very prestigious award," said Mick Renneisen, Director of the City's Parks and Recreation Department. "I particularly want to acknowledge our outstanding staff and the tremendous support we receive from the Mayor, City Council and our Board of Park Commissioners. Most importantly, we wouldn't be a finalist without the interest in, and support for, parks and recreation services from our community."

The City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department received national accreditation from National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) in 2001 and was reaccredited in 2006. The Department was a finalist for the National Gold Medal in 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2006.

Finalists must submit a 12-minute video illustrating the scope, philosophy and diversity of the Parks and Recreation Department's activities, facilities and participants by June 29. Winners will be announced at the NRPA's Congress in Indianapolis this September.