The Allen Parks and Recreation department was a finalist for the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management for the second year in a row. The award, the most prestigious in the industry, is given for planning, management, and development, to name a few of the many aspects the department must achieve excellence in.

“To be named a finalist for the second consecutive year for the National Recreation and Park Association’s Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management is an extraordinary honor,” Allen city director Tim Dentler said. “It means we are among the very best in the country in terms of what we offer Allen residents and all those who enjoy our parks system. Through our parks and recreation programs, offerings and amenities, we are well positioned to help drive quality of life in Allen, and we are extremely proud of that.”