Glenview Park District Wins National Gold Medal Award

The district earned its third Grand Plaque, its first since 1974, in the category for agencies serving 30,001 to 75,000 people.

By Eric DeGrechie, Patch Staff

Oct 19, 2026 12:12 PM CDT

Glenview previously won the Grand Plaque in 1970 and 1974. It was a finalist in 2009, 2019, 2024 and 2025 before earning the top honor in its category this year. (Glenview Park District )

GLENVIEW, IL — Glenview Park District has earned a national award recognizing excellence in park and recreation management, bringing home its first Gold Medal Grand Plaque in more than 50 years.

The district received the 2026 National Gold Medal Award's Grand Plaque in Class IV, which covers agencies serving populations of 30,001 to 75,000. Winners were announced Sept. 30 at the National Recreation and Park Association Conference in Philadelphia, according to an Oct. 1 district release.

The award is presented by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association.

Glenview previously won the Grand Plaque in 1970 and 1974. It was a finalist in 2009, 2019, 2024 and 2025 before earning the top honor in its category this year.

"Being named a Gold Medal Award winner is an incredible honor and a reflection of our dedicated staff and volunteers," Executive Director Michael McCarty said in the district's release.

"This award represents more than excellence in parks and recreation. It recognizes the impact we strive to make every day. We are incredibly proud to bring the Gold Medal Grand Plaque home to Glenview."

Founded in 1965, the awards program recognizes agencies for long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development and professional development.

Agencies are evaluated on how they meet community needs through the combined efforts of residents, employees and elected officials.

A panel of five park and recreation professionals reviewed applications and selected four finalists in each category. Finalists then submitted a five-minute video and their current strategic plan.

Glenview Park District serves more than 63,000 residents, including Glenview and Golf, portions of Niles, Northbrook, Northfield and Skokie, and unincorporated areas beyond village boundaries.

The district manages more than 861 acres, including 12 major facilities, 26 parks, 13 fieldhouses and 12.6 miles of walking trails.

More information about the district is available at glenviewparks.org.