NATIONAL GOLD MEDAL AWARDS

For three consecutive years, Illinois cities have been well represented on the roster of American communities which receive the annual National Gold Medal Awards for excellence in park and recreation management from The Sports Foundation, Inc. The Gold Medal Award plaques which have been presented to the Illinois cities in recent years were displayed during the annual Illinois Park and Recreation Conference held at the Marriott Hotel, November 16-19.

Representing the Illinois winners, which are classed according to population, are (left to right): Dick Johns, General Superintendent of Glenview Park District, 1970 Grand Award Winner, Class IV; Bob Toalson, General Manager of the Champaign Park District, Class IV Finalist, 1970; Mrs. Pat Landen, Communications Supervisor of the Peoria Park District, 1971 Grand Award Winner, Class II; Bill Graham, Director of the Oak Park Park District and James Talley, Director of the Oak Park Recreation Department, 1966 Grand Award Winner, Class II; Ernest Nance, Director of the Naperville Park District, 1972 Grand Award Winner, Class IV; and Robert Kunkel, Director of the Des Plaines Park District, Class III Finalist, 1966.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 37 January/February, 1973