The NRPA together with the AAPRA has announced the finalists for the 2015 Gold Medal Awards.

The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) are pleased to announce the finalists for the 2015 National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.

Founded in 1965, the Gold Medal Awards program honors communities in the U.S. that demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development and agency recognition.

Applications are separated into seven classes, with five classes based on population, one class for armed forces recreation communities and the State Park System Class, awarded during odd-numbered years.

Agencies are judged on their ability to address the needs of those they serve through the collective energies of citizens, staff and elected officials. Four finalists in each class are chosen to compete for grand honors each year.

This year, one of the finalists, Park District of Oak Park in Oak Park, Ill., won a Gold Medal in 1966"?uthe first year the awards were given.

The 2015 Gold Medal finalists are:

Class I (population 400,001 and over)
• Cleveland Metroparks "?u Cleveland, Ohio
• Kansas City Parks and Recreation "?u Kansas City, Mo.
• Mesa Parks, Recreation and Commercial Facilities "?u Mesa, Ariz.
• The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission "?u Riverdale, Md.

Class II (population 150,001 – 400,000)