Gilbert, Arizona's Parks and Recreation department is basking in some well-deserved recognition, as it has been named a finalist for the 2025 National Gold Medal Award, an accolade that underlines stellar achievements in the field of parks and recreation management. According to a press release from the town’s official website, Gilbert is competing in Class II for this award, which lines up communities with populations sitting snug between 150,001 and 400,000 people.
It's a competition that brings agencies to the limelight for their outstanding services, and Gilbert is one of four standing a chance to snag the Grand Plaque—the top prize in the arena come this September at the NRPA Annual Conference in Orlando. In their stride towards excellence, Gilbert's park gurus have focused their energy on data-driven developments, honing in on partnerships that further innovation and making sure that access to their green spaces is nothing short of equitable.
Robert Carmona, Gilbert Parks and Recreation Director, shared his team's excitement in a town press release. "Our team is incredibly honored to be named a finalist for the National Gold Medal Award," he said. "In Gilbert, we pride ourselves on doing more with less, without ever compromising on quality. Our dedicated team prioritizes data-driven planning, fosters equitable access, and embraces a community-first mindset. We are proud to create spaces where the community can come together, and where people of all ages can connect, play, and thrive right here in Gilbert."
The town's announcement explains that the Gold Medal Awards program has been around since 1965 and recognizes communities that excel in areas like long-term planning and resource management. Gilbert is being recognized not just for its parks and trails, but also for its strong community-focused program.
