PBC PARKS named 2019 Annual FRPA Award Winner for Excellence in Sports Tourism Award

The Florida Recreation and Park Association (FRPA) has awarded Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation as the 2019 recipient of the Excellence in Sports Tourism Award given out at the FRPA Annual Conference held in Orlando. This award recognizes the outstanding work done by the Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation department to advance the park and recreation profession in the area of Sports Tourism. To be considered for this award, a department must be an FRPA member in good standing and nominated by a Florida Sports Foundation Industry Partner in good standing (Regional Sports Commission).

“Sports Tourism is dependent upon partnerships such as the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation department and the Palm Beach County Sports Commission working toward the common goal of not only continually bringing in repeat events each year, but increasing the scope of those events where possible and working together to identify new events. This award demonstrates just how important it is to have a great parks and recreation system in place in order to boost sports tourism”, says George Linley, Executive Director of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission.

The Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department is committed to engaging the Palm Beach County Sports Commission in order to effectively develop, promote and provide outstanding recreational opportunities and amenities for the purpose of sports tourism. In doing so, this partnership annually contributes over $27 million in economic impact and continues to be a premier destination for sports enthusiasts around the world to “Just Bring Their Game” to Palm Beach County.

“I am extremely proud to have been awarded the 2019 FRPA Excellence in Sports Tourism award. The Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation department prides itself on being a nationally recognized parks and recreation leader that connects people and parks by being the premier outdoor recreation destination in south Florida. By partnering with the Palm Beach County Sports Commission, we ensure that sports enthusiasts from around the world know of, visit and use our parks, and spread the word about the great sporting opportunities here in Palm Beach County.I’m also grateful to the County Commission and our Administration for their unwavering support of the Parks and Recreation Department and the benefits our services generate for the community,” said PBC Parks Director Eric Call.

The Florida Recreation and Park Association annually awards park and recreation agencies, employees, volunteers and partners that have made an impact on their community. Nominees must submit information and details supporting the nomination and a volunteer committee made up of their peers reviews and rates the submissions. The FRPA Awards presentation takes place at the Annual FRPA Conference in August. Winners are presented with a plaque and recognition through the FRPA Journal. More information on the Awards Program can be found at frpa.org/awards.

What’s that plant? cabbage palm!

Did you know that the Cabbage Palm tree (aka Sabal Palm) is Florida’s state tree? Watch this short video to learn more interesting facts about this tree, including how some Native Americans have used the tree!

Palm Beach County Golf Shines in Audubon International’s Annual BioBlitz Competition

The award for Best Photograph went to Southwinds Golf Course, for their photograph of a Red Fox on the course.

In Audubon International’s BioBlitz, Southwinds Golf Course received the Community Engagement Award with a total of 271 participants. The key to their success was both a Lady’s Night Out and a Junior BioBlitz session that included crafting both animal masks and birdhouses along with the hunt for wildlife. The Southwinds clubhouse joined in by featuring a wildlife-themed drink menu throughout the week of the event. Park Ridge Golf Course came in second place for Community Engagement.

The award for Best Photograph went to Southwinds Golf Course, for their photograph of a Red Fox on the course. Sharon Painter, Southwinds’ General Manager, says, “We make it a priority to educate our golfers of all ages about the habitat our golf course provides to the diversity of species that call Southwinds Golf Course home.”

Now in its fifth year, this annual event, sponsored by the United States Golf Association (USGA), provides a unique opportunity for golf courses to engage their community members in activities designed to showcase and record the abundance of wildlife found on their course landscapes. Participating courses went above and beyond in their outreach and environmental stewardship efforts. Participants also competed for awards in Community Engagement, Biodiversity, and Best Photograph.

All five Palm Beach County golf courses are certified Audubon International courses, a distinction that is given to golf courses that employ environmental-friendly practices in maintaining their facilities.

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Audubon International is a not-for-profit environmental organization dedicated to creating sustainable environments in all the places people live, work and play. To meet this mission, the organization provides training, services, and a set of award-winning environmental education and certification programs for individuals, organizations, individual properties, recreation sites, and entire communities.

Southwinds Golf Course and Park Ridge Golf Course are operated by the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department. For more information on county-operated golf courses, visit www.pbcgolf.com.

Power of Parks: Zachary Gottsagen

Welcome to Power of Parks, a podcast produced by the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department, where we share inspiring stories from people who have benefited from nature, parks and recreation.

Episode 7 features guest Zachary Gottsagen, a Palm Beach County local who participates in Arts4All – Florida – Palm Beach County programs and stars alongside Shia LaBeouf and Dakota Johnson in the movie, Peanut Butter Falcon. Zach has Down syndrome, and the movie is garnering positive attention for being one of the few movies where an individual with Down syndrome is cast in a leading role.
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About Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department:
The Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department, recognized nationally for excellence in park and recreation management, operates more than 110 parks and recreational facilities and provides organized recreational programs and services for people of all ages and abilities. Visit http://www.pbcparks.com​ for more information.

Know Before You Go: Dogs

There are countless opportunities for you and your best friend to stay active inside PBC Parks! Watch this video to learn about four county-operated dog parks, as well as other locations you and your pup can go to play.

Destination Recreation 10: Beaches

With more than 40 miles of shoreline and ideal beach weather year-round, it’s no wonder Palm Beach County beaches are popular destinations for residents and tourists. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous day on the waves, or a relaxing escape in the sun, there are so many ways to enjoy Palm Beach County beaches.

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The Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department, recognized nationally for excellence in park and recreation management, operates more than 110 parks and recreational facilities and provides organized recreational programs and services for people of all ages and abilities. Visit http://www.pbcparks.com​ for more information.

Wheelchair Course: John Prince Park

In 1983, Palm Beach County resident Fred Sandberg helped bring a ‘Wheelchair Accessible Heart Trail’ to John Prince Park. 35 years later, he helped PBC Parks make renovations and additions to the Wheelchair Course.

Watch Fred’s story to learn about the course, how it’s helped him, and how it continues to help the Palm Beach County community stay active and healthy.