Milwaukee County Parks: Another Reason to Visit
The Milwaukee County Parks Department has won the 2009 National Gold Medal for Excellence in the Park and Recreation Management Program. The National Gold Medal Award is the most prestigious and highly esteemed award a park and recreation agency can receive. Milwaukee County Park's Director and VISIT Milwaukee executive committee member Sue Black a ccepted the award at the National Recreation and Parks Congress & Exposition in Salt Lake City.
Milwaukee County Parks offer nearly 15,000 acres of recreational enjoyment - according to the Rand McNally Places Rated Almanac, that's more acres of parkland per person than anywhere else in the country. The Milwaukee County Park System offers year-round activities, including 16 outdoor and indoor pools, five beaches, nine community and recreation centers, 122 tennis courts, 15 golf courses, two family aquatic centers and more than 200 athletic fields for a variety of sports, including baseball, softball, rugby, soccer and volleyball. The Park System's 90-mile Oak Leif Trail is used for biking, in-line skating, cross-country skiing, running and walking.
"This award is affirmation that when it comes to an urban park system - Milwaukee County is a jewel," said David Fantle, vice president, public relations for VISIT Milwaukee. "For visitors looking to combine an urban experience and still take advantage of some of the best outdoor recreational opportunities, it's all here in the Milwaukee area."
To determine a winner, the finalists were required to submit a 12-minute video featuring the department's programs and services as well as a copy of its strategic or master plan. The video can be found at: www.dwpinc.com/mcp/milcntyprks.html.
VISIT Milwaukee markets Greater Milwaukee to tourists, convention and meeting planners nationally and internationally and is dedicated to ensuring our guests are warmly welcomed and enjoy an enriching experience in this jewel of the Great Lakes. VISIT Milwaukee has more than 620 members, including hotels/motels, restaurants, attractions, services and area businesses. Tourism generated $2.7 billion in spending in Greater Milwaukee in 2008 and supported about 66,000 local jobs. The City of Wauwatosa, Midwest Airlines, Potawatomi Bingo Casino and the Wisconsin Center District are strategic partners with VISIT Milwaukee, providing funding support for conventions and tourism programs. For more information call 1-800-554-1448 or visit http://www.visitmilwaukee.org/.