Florida State Parks: A Contender for the 2025 National Gold Medal Award
~ Florida State Parks aims for its fifth Gold Medal in public lands stewardship ~
Alafia River State Park, Hillsborough County, Florida
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida State Parks system has been shortlisted for the esteemed 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. This accolade, overseen by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration alongside the National Recreation and Park Association, celebrates the nation’s top park systems.
Competing in the State Park System category, Florida stands out as the only state to have won the Gold Medal four times, a national record. The Florida Park Service, being among the largest in the U.S., oversees 175 parks comprising over 815,000 acres, including 101 miles of beaches, 3,024 miles of trails, and 18 springs parks.
In the last fiscal year, Florida State Parks attracted over 30 million visitors, generating more than $82 million in revenue and contributing an estimated $3.7 billion to the state’s economy.
“We are honored to be named a finalist for the Gold Medal Award,” stated Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “Florida’s state parks are more than destinations. They reflect our commitment to protecting natural resources and ensuring all Floridians and visitors can enjoy the beauty and biodiversity of this great state. I’m proud of the dedicated park staff and volunteers who help make our system a model for the nation.”
The Gold Medal Award, established in 1965, recognizes park and recreation agencies excelling in long-term planning, resource management, and community engagement. The State Park category is awarded biennially.
“Florida’s state parks offer year-round recreation for all ages, from hiking and paddling to wildlife viewing and camping,” remarked Florida State Parks Director Chuck Hatcher. “With 75 parks located within the Florida Wildlife Corridor and thousands of campsites and cabins across the state, we continue to set the standard for unforgettable outdoor experiences and responsible public land stewardship.”
Other finalists for the 2025 State Park category include Ohio State Parks & Watercraft and Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources. The winner will be revealed at the National Recreation and Park Association’s Annual Conference, scheduled for September 16–18, 2025, in Orlando.
For more information or to plan a visit to Florida’s award-winning state parks, visit FloridaStateParks.org.
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