FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 28, 2003

Contact: 301-952-4314; 301-495-4602
TTY: 301-952-3796

THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION NAMED "BEST IN NATION" WITH UNPRECEDENTED FIFTH GOLD MEDAL AWARD WIN

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) has been named the winner of the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Parks and Recreation Management for 2003.

The coveted award was presented to the Commission last week at the annual National Recreation and Park Association Congress (NRPA) held in St. Louis, Missouri. Among the four finalists representing the largest park agencies in the Country, the Commission was recognized for "progressive and continuing improvement, development, and service to the public".

As recipient of the 2003 National Gold Medal, the Commission becomes the only agency ever to earn this prestigious award four times (1973, 1977, 1984, and 2003). In addition, the Commission also earned a fifth Gold Medal Award in 1983 for leadership in special recreation and outstanding community achievement for citizens with physical and mental disabilities.

"The Commission is privileged to accept this unprecedented five-time national honor on behalf of the 1.7 million residents we serve in Prince George's and Montgomery Counties," said Derick P. Berlage, Chairman of the Montgomery County Planning Board and the Commission. "It is truly an exceptional honor to be recognized as the best in our field, throughout the entire United States of America."

"Even as the Commission works to 'do more with less' in a declining fiscal climate," continued Elizabeth M. Hewlett, Chairman of the Prince George's County Planning Board and Vice Chair of the Commission, "this prestigious award reflects the sheer passion of our talented, skilled and creative staff, as well as thousands of selfless volunteers who support our outstanding programs and facilities in the community."

Each year, the National Sporting Goods Association, in cooperation with NRPA, presents the National Gold Medal to four outstanding agencies in the country, depending on population of the communities they serve, and following a rigorous application and judging process.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission was established by Maryland State Law in 1927 to provide acquisition and maintenance of parkland, and regional planning and zoning for the citizens of Montgomery and Prince George's Counties. In Prince George's County, the Commission also administers the entire public recreation program. For additional information on M-NCPPC and its services and facilities, log on to www.mncppc.org, or contact the Public Affairs offices at 301-952-4314, 301-495-4602; or 301-699-2407.