FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2016

Cary Earns Gold at National Recreation and Park Association Conference

CARY, NC - The nation now knows what Cary citizens have known all along: the Town's parks, recreation and cultural arts program is one of the best in the country. At the October 6 National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) annual conference in St. Louis, Missouri, the Town of Cary received the National Gold Medal Grand Plaque Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management for a municipality sized 150,001-400,000. The Town was named one of four finalists for the award in April; other finalists in Class II included Arlington, Texas; Grand Prairie, Texas; and Beaverton, Oregon.

"This is the highest honor a community can receive in this field. It speaks volumes to our innovative approach to delivering superb park and recreation services with fiscally sound business practices," said Town Manager Sean Stegall. "I want to thank everyone in the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department as well as congratulate the staff in other departments that make these programs what they are. This truly is a Town-wide effort."

The award honors U.S. communities that demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development and agency recognition; agencies are judged on their ability to address the needs of those they serve through the collective energies of citizens, staff and elected officials. It is administered by The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).

The Town of Cary Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources is a three-time nationally accredited department with a portfolio including 82 miles of greenways and a network of over 2,600 acres of parks and open space. It oversees the operations of four sports facilities, three community centers, three cultural arts centers, two performance venues, a nature center and a senior center. In 2015, citizens provided over 30,000 volunteer hours.

Experience the parks, recreation and cultural arts programs in Cary by searching "Parks and Rec" at www.townofcary.org or calling (919) 469-4061. For upcoming events in Cary, visit the Meetings and Events Calendar at www.townofcary.org and follow the Town on Twitter @TOC_Fun.

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PRIMARY CONTACTS:
Doug McRainey, Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Director, (919) 469-4066
Carrie Roman, Public Information Specialist, (919) 481-5091
Deanna Hawkes, Deputy Public Information Officer, (919) 462-3908