WYOMING — On June 30, Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails announced that it was selected as a finalist for the 2023 Gold Medal Award from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association.
According to Wyoming State Parks, the NRPA Gold Medal Award is considered the highest honor in the field of park and recreation management, acknowledging agencies that have achieved excellence in a variety of criteria, including park planning, resource management, public engagement, programming and sustainability.
“Being named a finalist for the NRPA Gold Medal Award is a tremendous honor for Wyoming State Parks,” says Dave Glenn, acting director of Wyoming State Parks & Cultural Resources, in a press release. “We are proud of our commitment to providing exceptional outdoor recreational opportunities and conserving our state’s breathtaking landscapes. This recognition is a testament to the passion and dedication of our staff and partners who strive every day to make our parks extraordinary.”
Wyoming is home to iconic landscapes that attract millions of visitors each year. The NRPA Gold Medal Award nomination recognizes the state’s success in preserving these places and providing experiences to park visitors.
“Wyoming’s State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails are a source of immense pride for our state,” says State Parks Deputy Director Nick Neylon in the press release. “We’re competing against the State Park systems of Texas, Ohio and Missouri, all significantly larger systems with much bigger budgets and many more staff. Our inclusion as a finalist among these giants reflects how we do more with less and continue to provide excellent customer experiences.”
The winner of the NRPA Gold Medal Award will be announced at the NRPA Annual Conference in Dallas this October.
