Vernon Hills Park District Received Grand Plaque in the National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management

September 28, 2021

Vernon Hills Park District received a prestigious honor in the park and recreation industry at the National Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference in Nashville, TN on September 21, 2021. The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), is pleased to announce Vernon Hills Park District received the prestigious Grand Plaque in the National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.

Vernon Hills Park District received the Grand Plaque in the Class V category, Park and Recreation Agency with a population of 30,000 or less. For nearly 50 years, the Vernon Hills Park District continues to bring memorable experiences and enjoyment to all ages through diverse programming promoting healthy lifestyles. Today the District encompasses five facilities, ten miles of recreational paths, and twenty-five parks situated on 460 acres of land. Through the collaborative efforts of the Park Board, professional staff, generous sponsors and dedicated volunteers, the District is also an award recipient of the 2019-2024 Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency Award.

Read entire press release VHPD 2021 Gold Medal Grand Plaque Press Release

Photo left to right:

Mike Shindler, Musco Lighting Sales Manager
Jeff Fougerousse, Executive Director, Vernon Hills Park District
David Doerhoefer, Park Board President, Vernon Hills Park District
Cindy Kessler, Commissioner, Vernon Hills Park District
Carol Sente, Commissioner, Vernon Hills Park District
Brian Albright, Head Gold Medal Judge AAPRA
Michael McCarty, President of AAPRA