Florida State Parks earns finalist spot for the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management

Tallahassee, Florida – Florida State Parks has once again earned a coveted spot as a finalist for the prestigious 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. This recognition, administered by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) in collaboration with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), is given to the best-managed park systems in the United States.

Competing in the State Park System category, Florida is in the running for this distinguished honor, marking another milestone in its long history of excellence in park management. The state has already won the Gold Medal award four times, more than any other state in the nation. With 175 state parks under its care, the Florida Park Service manages an expansive 815,000 acres, including 101 miles of pristine sandy beaches, 3,024 miles of trails, and 18 spring parks. This vast network of natural treasures plays a significant role in the state’s ecological and recreational offerings.

Florida’s achievements are even more impressive when you consider the numbers. Last fiscal year, Florida State Parks welcomed over 30 million visitors, generating more than $82 million in revenue. The parks’ contributions extend beyond tourism, bringing an estimated $3.7 billion in statewide economic impact. This substantial influence highlights the parks’ role not only as places of recreation but as crucial economic engines for the state.

Read also: Special meetings of the city commission and CRA to consider four key votes that will shape Pompano Beach’s new downtown development

“We are honored to be named a finalist for the Gold Medal Award,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “Florida’s state parks are more than destinations. They reflect our commitment to protecting natural resources and ensuring all Floridians and visitors can enjoy the beauty and biodiversity of this great state. I’m proud of the dedicated park staff and volunteers who help make our system a model for the nation.”

The Gold Medal Award, first established in 1965, recognizes park and recreation agencies that demonstrate excellence in several key areas, including long-term planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, programming, professional development, and community engagement. The award in the State Park category is presented biennially, with finalists carefully selected based on their achievements in these areas. Florida’s continued recognition as a finalist speaks volumes about the quality of management and the exceptional visitor experience that its parks offer.

“Florida’s state parks offer year-round recreation for all ages, from hiking and paddling to wildlife viewing and camping,” said Chuck Hatcher, Director of Florida State Parks. “With 75 parks located within the Florida Wildlife Corridor and thousands of campsites and cabins across the state, we continue to set the standard for unforgettable outdoor experiences and responsible public land stewardship.”

The other finalists in the 2025 State Park category include Ohio State Parks & Watercraft and Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources. While the competition is fierce, Florida’s track record of innovative programming, sustainability initiatives, and community engagement makes it a formidable contender.

Florida’s state parks are known for their diversity of offerings, attracting nature lovers, adventure seekers, and families alike. Whether it’s exploring the miles of scenic trails, enjoying water-based activities in spring-fed rivers, or simply camping under the stars in one of the state’s many picturesque parks, Florida provides something for everyone. Additionally, the parks’ emphasis on environmental conservation ensures that future generations will continue to benefit from these natural spaces.

Read also: Slow Burn Theatre Company brings west end favorite “The Bodyguard The Musical” to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts this June

Looking ahead, the winner of the 2025 National Gold Medal Award will be announced during the National Recreation and Park Association’s Annual Conference, taking place from September 16 to 18, 2025, in Orlando. With Florida’s continued commitment to maintaining and enhancing its parks, there’s no doubt the state will remain a leader in the field of park management.

For more information about Florida’s award-winning state parks or to plan your next visit, check out FloridaStateParks.org. With such an impressive array of natural beauty and recreational opportunities, there’s no better time to experience everything that Florida’s state parks have to offer.

As the Gold Medal Award approaches, Florida’s state parks continue to shine as a prime example of how to balance environmental preservation with public enjoyment, ensuring their place as one of the nation’s best park systems.