South Suburban was honored at its Feb. 14, regular board meeting for being named a 2023 Gold Medal Finalist. Rod Tarullo, on behalf of the American Academy for Parks and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), and Edwin Arceo with Musco Lighting, delivered the award to the board of directors.

Since 1965, the National Gold Medal Award Program has recognized the best managed park and recreation agencies in the country. South Suburban was named a 2023 finalist in the Class II category (150,001-400,000 residents).

“It is such an honor to be named a finalist for the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in park and recreation management,” said Board Chair Susan Pye. “This award is a true testament to the high level of service and programs we continually provide for our community.”

The AAPRA and NRPA have awarded South Suburban the Grand Gold Medal Award three times (1980,1988 and 1996), and South Suburban has been a Gold Medal finalist 11 times (1976, 1980, 1987, 1988, 1995, 1996, 2001, 2008, 2011, 2012 and 2023).

“Over the last 47-year involvement in the Gold Medal program, you have demonstrated significant success with the design and delivery of superior services to your constituents,” said Tarullo. “South Suburban Parks and Recreation continues to be in the upper echelon of the 8,000+ parks and recreation agencies across the nation.”

The AAPRA is a national nonprofit organization comprised of high-level, experienced professionals dedicated to the advancement of public parks and recreation. The Academy offers the National Gold Medal Award Program with the generous support of its sponsor, Musco Lighting, and in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association.