Hillsborough Parks and Recreation is honored for its program

Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation has been recognized, for the third year in a row, for having one of the top programs in the country.

It is one of four national finalists in the class one category for the 2024 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.

A class one park serves a population of more than 400,000 residents.

Programs in the county include multiple athletic programs, a USA Wheelchair Football League, and The Wellness Access Pass. An annual event called The Hillsborough County Hiking Spree gets residents on the trails – since 2017, over 32,000 people have participated.

The program also works with more than 180 partners who help provide programming, like the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

Hillsborough Parks and Recreation Department Director Rick Valdez said he is proud of this program’s work for the community.

“I have an unbelievable recreation and an unbelievable parks service team that are you know the guys out there making sure the parks are cleaned and making improvements to the sites,” he said.

From family donations and the park’s partners to the Board of County Commissioners – Valdez said this award is for everyone.

“This award reflects (it’s) not just a reflection of Parks and Recreation but really a reflection of Hillsborough County’s commitment to what we do,” he said.

The youth programs are already full for the summer term with high demand for participation. Communities that used to be scared about going to their parks, now trust this program to protect their kids and turn around the community.

The programs also provide support for those with physical and mental disabilities.

“We have an amazing Adaptive sports program where a certified therapeutic recreation specialist is a part of our team that works with folks with physical and mental disability,” Valdez said. “We are one of the only parks and recreation agencies with dedicated staff to this program.”

One of the Adaptive athletes is going to the Olympics this year.

Nonprofits operate Most Parks and Recreations for adaptive sports, but Hillsborough has this as one of their signature programs – of which Valdez said he is proud.

“It’s all a sight to see, great athletes. They would really surprise you and it puts a smile on my face,” he said. “It’s one of the programs that are near and dear to my heart.”

The staff trained about 100 temporary summer employees earlier this week in preparation for the summer programs. Valdez said most spots are filled, but there is a waitlist. People can contact the department about volunteer opportunities with the youth or senior programs.

Only one department will receive the highest award called the Grand Plaque in Oct. Hillsborough Parks and Recreation have submitted a short video highlighting their department in hopes of winning.