Released by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection ….
Florida State Park Director Eric Draper is proud to announce that the Florida Park Service is the winner of the 2019 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Parks and Recreation.
Draper reported the “award honors the terrific work of our staff, volunteers and partners.You can watch our Gold Medal video to see some of their accomplishments. The Gold Medal also recognizes how much visitors value state parks. Thank you for supporting Florida State Parks, sharing your favorite places and being part of our community. The people who value parks and the natural and cultural resources they protect make our park system a success.”
Draper said they are also grateful for the support and leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, the Florida Legislature and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
In Florida, we congratulate the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department and Naval Air Station Whiting Field for being named finalists. Other finalists for the national award include Tennessee State Parks, Maryland State Parks and Washington State Parks.
The best way to support and celebrate Florida State Parks is to visit a park near you.