Florida State Parks has earned a coveted spot as a finalist for the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.
The award, presented by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and 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 claimed the Gold Medal four times, more than any other state. The Florida Park Service oversees 175 state parks, encompassing over 815,000 acres, 101 miles of pristine beaches, 3,024 miles of trails, and 18 springs parks.
In the past fiscal year alone, these parks welcomed over 30 million visitors, generating $82 million in revenue and contributing an estimated $3.7 billion to Florida’s economy.
“We are honored to be named a finalist for the Gold Medal Award,” said 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, honors agencies that excel in long-term planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, programming, professional development, and community engagement. Florida’s state parks embody these values, offering year-round activities like hiking, paddling, wildlife viewing, and camping.
“Florida’s state parks offer year-round recreation for all ages, from hiking and paddling to wildlife viewing and camping,” said 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.”
Florida faces stiff competition from Ohio State Parks & Watercraft and Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources. The winner will be announced at the National Recreation and Park Association’s Annual Conference in Orlando, Sept. 16–18, 2025.
For more information or to plan a visit, go to FloridaStateParks.org.
