NRPA Gold Medal Finalist 2021

The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), has recognized Tennessee State Parks as one of the best state park systems in the nation. Tennessee has made it into the final four in this national competition and will compete for the gold medal at the September national conference.
This video highlights some of the successes of Tennessee State Parks over the last several years. It showcases key elements from the award application. Several partners are mentioned in this video and worthy of recognition for their role in making Tennessee State Parks the best in the nation:
Tennessee State Parks Conservancy: Supporting educational programs, health initiatives, and special park projects that preserve, protect, and enhance natural areas and the 56 state parks across Tennessee. tnstateparksco...
Abundant Life Adventure Club: The founders of this group were voted 2021 Blue Ridge Outdoors Adventurers of the Year and have received national attention for their work fostering community in the outdoors. www.abundantli...
Healthy Parks Healthy Person TN: A program aimed at getting people to go outside and enjoy the health benefits of nature. healthyparkstn....
Fentress County Chamber of Commerce: We appreciate the way the Fentress County Chamber of Commerce has embraced state parks and worked with us to help improve the economic circumstances of their county. www.jamestowntn...
Tennessee Department of Tourist Development: COVID-19 forged even stronger bonds between the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conversation, of which Tennessee State Parks is a part, and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Their team supported state parks throughout 2020 on a range of activities including visitation tracking improvements, distressed county, and COVID-19 marketing support. www.tnvacation...
About the award: The National Gold Medal Award honors public park and recreation agencies and state park systems throughout the United States and armed forces recreation programs worldwide that demonstrate excellence in long-range planning, resource management, and innovative approaches to delivering superb park and recreation services with fiscally sound business practices. Learn more at www.nrpa.org/o...