The Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department is among four finalists for a national excellence award, the city announced today.

The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association, selected Des Moines as a finalist for the 2015 National Gold Medal Awards for excellence in park and recreation management. Des Moines was selected in the Class II category, which includes cities with a population of 150,001 to 400,000. A winner will be selected in each category.

This is the first year Des Moines applied for the award, said Ben Page, parks and recreation director.

“It’s an honor just to apply — the NRPA sets the standard by which excellence is measured in our profession,” Page said. “Some apply several times and never become a finalist, so we are very fortunate and were surprised when we heard we were selected.”

When applying for the award, Page said the department focused on the collaboration between the residents and department staff and elected officials. The diversity of Des Moines and how park and recreation services reflect that were also highlighted.

“I think that’s what really sets us apart,” he said. “We gather a tremendous amount of feedback and follow up with residents. … We are always reaching out to the community, because our programs won’t meet the needs of the people unless the people tell us what they need.”

A panel of five park and recreation professionals reviewed and judged all application materials. Des Moines and other finalists will compete for Grand Plaque Award honors this summer. Winners will be announced during the opening general session at the NRPA annual conference in Las Vegas in September.

Should Des Moines win the top award, the city will benefit through heightened credibility, Page said, making it easier to obtain grant resources and funding for projects such as the Jackson Bridge Project.

“Even as a finalist, if we can set ourselves apart, it will help our cause,” he said.

The department also created a video produced with a drone illustrating why Des Moines Parks and Recreation was selected as a finalist. VIEW THE VIDEO BELOW >>>