CULLMAN, Ala. – In a journey from hopeful nominee to triumphant winner, Cullman Parks, Recreation, & Sports Tourism (CPRST) this week won the esteemed National Gold Medal Award from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).
This accolade marks not just the recognition of the tireless efforts of the CPRST team, but also underlines the community’s shared vision and commitment to excellence in recreational and community engagement opportunities for all residents.
The award is a beacon of excellence, innovation and commitment within the parks and recreation sector, making it one of the most sought-after honors.
“For our parks department, being selected as a finalist for the Gold Medal was an incredible source of pride and accomplishment,” said CPRST Executive Director Nathan Anderson.
Anderson emphasized that from the nomination to winning the award, the journey was reflective of CPRST’s dedicated service, innovative approaches and deep commitment to community well-being, making Cullman not just a fantastic place to live, but a prime destination for engaging recreational activities.
The competition was no small feat, with over 10,000 eligible agencies across the United States vying for the honor, particularly in the fierce Class V division, for agencies serving populations of 30,000 or fewer. Yet, CPRST rose to the pinnacle of excellence, establishing itself as the nation’s top agency in its division.
“This is a historic milestone for Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism, as we are the first and only agency in Alabama to receive the Gold Medal. This award is a testament to the relentless dedication and collective efforts of our team and community partners, working together to make Cullman the best place to live, work, worship and play,” Anderson said upon the announcement of the award.
Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs and Rusty Turner, chairman of the Cullman Parks Board of Directors, extended their hearfelt congratulations to CPRST for the monumental achievement, acknowledging the evidence of hard work and the reflection of Cullman’s commitment to providing world-class parks and recreational opportunities.
Turner noted, “This award underscores the dedication and passion our team brings to the community every day. It’s an inspiration to keep pushing the boundaries of excellence in the future.”
Despite the rigorous and comprehensive evaluation process during the nomination, the journey toward the Gold Medal Award showcased the exceptional work of CPRST and was a shining example of community collaboration.
Anderson highlighted that the award, indeed, is a “collective achievement,” a testament to the strong, supportive bonds within the community, making Cullman truly remarkable.
As CPRST celebrates well-deserved recognition with the 2023 National Gold Medal Award from AAPRA, its commitment to enhancing the quality of life and building a vibrant community in Cullman remains steadfast. This recognition marks Cullman as a premier destination for parks and recreation, providing exceptional opportunities for all.
For more details about the award-winning services and facilities of Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism, visit www.cullmanrecreation.org (http://www.cullmanrecreation.org/). For more about the award, see www.aapra.org/National-Gold-Medal-Award (http://www.aapra.org/National-Gold-Medal-Award)
