Here are responses to some of the most frequently asked questions about the application process:
Q: We received the Finalist plaque. When can we re-apply? Finalist plaque recipients can apply each and every year until they receive the Grand Plaque.
Q: We are a Grand Plaque recipient. When can we re-apply? Once an agency/state park/armed forces installation receives the Grand Plaque, they cannot apply for five (5) years. As an example, if your agency received the Grand Plaque in 2021, your agency may not submit a nomination in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 (5 years). You may submit a nomination in 2027.
Q: Why should my agency apply for a Gold Medal? The National Gold Medal Award program has been in existence since 1965 when it began with NRPA and the National Sporting Goods Association and its Sports Foundation. In a 2020 Gold Medal Finalist survey, agencies shared the award resulted in “huge positive and significant public and political recognition” and that it “was a great boost for staff and recognition of overall team work for the agency.” Another agency shared “Credibility, as it helps us improve fundraising, our elected leaders are more inclined to provide additional budget support.”
Applying for the National Gold Medal can be viewed as a unique learning experience for your staff. It can be a powerful and exciting journey for your team!
Q: How long does it take to complete the application? This obviously varies but do not wait until a few weeks before the application is due. The application period begins November 13, 2023, so applicants can review the essay questions, brainstorm responses to each question, gather supporting data, and then complete the application. Prior recipients suggest having your agency’s best writer responsible for writing the application. Your internal deadline should be a few days prior to March 1, 2024 so you can handle any last-minute changes.
Q: How many applications are received each year? Even during the COVID pandemic the Gold Medal Award program received over 75 entries.
Q: What is the most common error you see on applications? The most common error is not providing the number of examples specifically requested in the question. Judges are looking for quantifiable information and descriptive narratives, and using different examples gives them a broader understanding of the agency. Other mistakes are using the same example multiple times and not sufficiently highlighting what is unique and special about the agency’s services and facilities. Agencies need to tell their overall story in narrative, while also providing enough details and data.
Q: If you’ve applied before, is it acceptable to recycle previously submitted answers? If the answers are still relevant, then yes; however, it is important to re-evaluate and make changes based on new and different data or elements from year to year. 2024 application does ask new questions so review them carefully if you have applied in a prior year.
Q: How are judges chosen? The American Academy for Park & Recreation Administration selects five judges: four permanent-term judges and one guest judge. Judges serve a total of five (5) years. Judges are carefully interviewed and selected to ensure they are individuals with an array of management experiences; they are from a variety of agency types and from a variety of states; and have demonstrated a high level of integrity and objectivity. Judges are required to sign a conflict of interest form as well as disclose any personal knowledge they have about an applicant and may recuse themselves form judging that application.
Q: When asked about innovative or creative projects, are the judges basing this on the individual agency’s innovation or against what other agencies are doing? The Gold Medal judges are experienced park and recreation administrators who are knowledgeable about multiple agencies. Judges score based on how creative and innovative the project sounds from its description. It is important to demonstrate how the project or initiative is improving the systems or services of YOUR agency in a new, unique way (reaching new customers, new delivery of the service, etc).
Q: Can we reference future planned projects/initiatives? Does planning need to be “in progress” at the time of submission? Future planned projects/initiatives can be referenced, as long as they are in progress or are ready to begin.
Q: How are the Finalists selected? Each judge reviews each application and submits their numeric scores for each question. The scores are shared “blind” so judges are not aware of how other judges scored that application. Scores are totaled by an independent party and the four (4) applicants with the highest scores in each population class, state park, and armed forces recreation categories are designated as “Finalist Award recipients."
Q: How are the Grand Plaque Award recipients selected? The judges meet in person (or virtually) to watch the agency videos and to discuss what they viewed on the agency website (verifying the website content supports the application information) and the Master and Strategic Plans. Through a consensus process they select the Grand Plaque Award recipient in each category.
Q: Where does CAPRA accreditation fit in? CAPRA accreditation is NOT required to submit an application for the National Gold Medal Award program. Accreditation is used in the judging process if there is a tie between two agencies; with the CAPRA agency receiving 5 bonus points.
Q: I’ve heard a video is required. Is that true? Only the agencies selected as a Finalist are asked to post a social media type video, a MAXIMUM of 5 minutes by May 23, 2024. The video should support what the agency states in its application; it should tell the story of how the agency is managed and how it is unique. The judges do not judge the quality of the video; their focus is on the story the video tells – does it support what the agency is stating in its application? Again, the quality of the video is not as important as the story it tells. This video can be used in multiple ways so don’t think of it as a Gold Medal video; plan to use it in other promotional efforts! The video is viewed ONLY in the second round of judging when the Grand Plaque Award recipients are selected.
Q: What advice do you have for applicants? Regardless of how often your agency has applied, it is worthwhile to talk to agency directors who have received a Finalist or the Grand Plaque Award. A list of Finalist and Grand Plaque Award recipients is on the Gold Medal page.
Make applying a team effort, inspire staff about applying by viewing the virtual Gold Medal Award presentation available on the Gold Medal website, hold brainstorming sessions about the questions. Create a timeline with measurable milestones so you won’t be pushing at the deadline. Finally, if not already accredited, consider going through that process first as accreditation helps improve the agency’s effectiveness.
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The American Academy for Park & Recreation Administration, the governing body of the National Gold Medal Award and judges thank all the agencies, state parks and military installations that have applied for the award over the years. The Academy is continually looking for ways to improve the application process and create public awareness for the esteemed National Gold Medal Award.
Questions or comments? Contact goldmedal@aapra.org.