|
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida
Cabinet honored Florida’s award-winning state parks
today with a resolution for recently receiving the Gold
Medal from the National Recreation and Parks
Association. The Gold Medal, a second for Florida’s park
system, was presented at the 2005 National Recreation
and Park Association Congress and Exposition to the
nation’s best park service.
“Florida’s State Parks are a portal to the State’s
untouched natural, recreational and historical
resources,” said Florida Department of Environmental
Protection Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “The State
commends the dedicated volunteers and professional staff
that provide an enjoyable experience for millions of
visitors annually.”
The Florida Park Service, managed under the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection, was a finalist
in the National Recreation and Parks Association Gold
Medal award in 1997, and won the Gold Medal in 1999.
This year, the Florida Park Service’s first opportunity
to reapply since 1999, is the only time a state agency
has won the Gold Medal twice. Florida competed with
state park systems from Missouri, North Carolina and
Tennessee for the award.
“This award represents the dedication of the park
rangers and management staff who are the foundation of
this prestigious award,” said Florida State Parks
Director Mike Bullock. “Florida’s state parks protect
natural Florida land and wildlife, and provide open
space and recreational activities for families to
enjoy.”
Florida’s state park system is one of the largest in
the country with 159 parks spanning more than 723,000
acres and 100 miles of sandy white beach. From swimming
and diving in Florida’s rivers and springs to birding
and fishing or hiking and riding on natural scenic
trails, Florida’s state parks offer year-around outdoor
activities for all ages. Battle reenactments and Native
American festivals celebrate Florida’s unique history,
while art shows, museums and lighthouses offer a window
into Florida’s cultural heritage.
For more information about Florida State Parks, or to
view the Gold Medal Award application video, visit
www.FloridaStateParks.org. | 
