the Gold Medal Awards, such as the program
BREC on the Geaux. The park system has
introduced two mobile recreation units
that drive to housing authority complexes
and underserved communities located in
play deserts, places that lack play areas
within safe walking distance. The two 14foot trucks bring with them equipment and
games that promote physical activity.
“We are just very, very excited to be
considered a finalist,” Michelet said about
the Gold Medal Awards. She said that
BREC wants to show the community the
importance of their investment in the parks
system. “We could not have done it without
their support,” she said.
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“I think in any city there’s a tendency
to take the things you see around you for
granted,” said Raby. He added that he sees
BREC’s selection as a finalist as a reminder
to everyone about the good things in the
city.
The other three finalists for the award
are Cleveland Metroparks in Cleveland,
Ohio; Johnson County Park and Recreation
District in Shawnee, Kansas; and
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
in Minneapolis, Minnesota. BREC will
learn whether the organization has won
the award when the NRPA holds its annual
conference in October.