Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Wins Top Honors at National Conference in Philadelphia

Palm Beach County’s dedication to public engagement has not gone unnoticed at the national level. The Parks and Recreation Department recently snagged multiple honors at the NACo Annual Conference in Philadelphia for its effective communication strategies. The National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO) recognized the department with awards across several categories, including the Best of Show, a top accolade given to the most outstanding entry of the event.

“We’re honored to be recognized for using innovative communication strategies to better connect people with the many services and experiences our parks offer,” Jennifer Cirillo, Director of Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation, said in a statement obtained by the county's website. The department was commended particularly for its Non-Verbal Communication Sheets, designed to helpfully engage across language and ability spectrums in parks and facilities. These communication aids were dubbed Best of Category for Printed Publications and also took home the Best of Show recognition. To literally bring people and the parks closer, these sheets are an innovative approach that seems to have made a considerable impact.

Not falling short in the variety of their recognitions, the department's 2023 Annual Report received a Superior rating. This denotes the report as an exceptional piece when measured against peer submissions. Their Destination Booklets, aimed at guiding locals and visitors alike through the offerings of Palm Beach County parks, exceeded industry standards, earning an Excellence rating, as detailed by Palm Beach County’s announcement.

The prowess of the department’s communication extended into audiovisual media. A short-form video, titled ‘This is My Office,’ gained a Meritorious rating for its innovative ability to showcase the work of parks and recreation professionals in just 60 seconds and doubled as an effective recruitment tool. Another video series, ‘Beach Smart at PBC Parks,’ which promotes safety and awareness at county beaches, was also recognized with an Excellence rating.

An initiative by the department that caught attention was the PBC Park Prescriptions program, which merited a Meritorious rating under the Campaigns for Quality-of-Life category. This wellness-centered campaign forms a collaborative network involving community partnerships with local agencies, including Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and the Health Care District of Palm Beach County. Its success in promoting active living as part of a healthy lifestyle was highlighted through a short video and customized prescription pads designed to support patient-physician dialogues on outdoor activities.

The NACIO Awards of Excellence spotlight superior public information and communications efforts by counties nationwide. A representative of Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation’s Office of Public Engagement Team commented on their commitment to increasing community awareness and engagement, confirming that the accolades reflect their passion for connecting residents with the many perks of their facilities. More about their programs and events can be found at their official website and through following @PBCParks and #pbcparks on various social media platforms.