Waukegan, Illinois (May 2, 2024) – The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association, named the Waukegan Park District a finalist for the 2024 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, the nation’s highest honor for park and recreation agencies. The Waukegan Park District is a finalist in Class III, the category for park and recreation agencies serving a population of 75,001 to 150,000. The Waukegan Park District won the prestigious award in 2013 and was named a finalist in 2012, 2013, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Founded in 1965, the National Gold Medal Awards program honors communities in the United States 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 six classes, with five classes based on population and one class for armed forces.
Jeremiah Johnson, President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, stated, “The Waukegan Park District is proud to be recognized as one of the nation’s best of the best park and recreation agencies. The acknowledgement underscores the relentless commitment of staff to create memorable park and recreation experiences. Their efforts are showcased daily across parks and facilities as they meet the needs of our community.”
Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Park District, stated, “The Waukegan Park District is extremely honored to again be recognized by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association as one of the top park and recreation agencies in the country. This prestigious honor is a testament to the dedication of the Board of Commissioners and staff to enrich the community through state-of-the-art parks and facilities and engaging recreation programs for children and adults. The Waukegan Park District is proud to serve our community and appreciates their continued support.”
The recipients of the National Gold Medal Award will be announced at the 2024 National Recreation and Park Association Conference in October in Atlanta, Georgia.
About the Waukegan Park District
Established on December 26, 1916, the Waukegan Park District (WPD) has 53 properties and more than 742 acres of land, including the 18-hole Bonnie Brook and 9-hole Greenshire Golf Courses. Properties are managed to the highest environmental and conservation standards. Facilities operated by the WPD include the Field House Sports, Fitness and Aquatics Center, Waukegan’s Greg Petry SportsPark, Waukegan Skate Park, BMX Track, SplashZone, Percussion Playground, recreational centers, disc golf course, dog exercise area and agility course, outdoor sports fields, picnic areas, playgrounds, splash pads, and sports courts including basketball, tennis and pickleball. A full range of programs and services are offered year-round for all ages, from infants to seniors, as well as special need populations. Healthy lifestyles, wellness initiatives, and a connection with the outdoors and nature are integrated throughout programs, services, and special events. Arts and cultural activities are provided by the Jack Benny Center for the Arts, Waukegan Symphony Orchestra and Concert Chorus, and the Waukegan History Museum. We offer something for everyone!
A member of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD), Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA), and the Park District Risk Management Agency (PDRMA), the WPD employs 73 full-time and 219 part-time, seasonal, and temporary employees and is recognized by the IPRA as an Exceptional Workplace.
Nationally accredited by the NRPA Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and State accredited through the IAPD Distinguished Agency Accreditation, the WPD has received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Triple Crown Award for receiving the GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award, and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. The WPD was awarded the NRPA National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management in 2013, and was named a Gold Medal Finalist in 2012, 2013, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Media Contact
Josue Pasillas, MPA
Communications Supervisor
Waukegan Park District
(847) 360-4789
jpasillas@waukeganparks.org
waukeganparks.org