King County Parks earns national award for imaginative communications efforts

National Recreation and Parks Association honors innovation in communication

King County Parks has long been known as an innovative leader in providing outstanding facilities and amenities for its citizens – including the Pacific Northwest’s premier cycling velodrome, the world-class Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center and the 3,000-acre wilderness oasis of Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park – just 10 minutes from downtown Seattle.

Chalk up one more recognition: King County Parks and Recreation Division has received the “KUDOS – Best Overall Communicator” award from the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA).

The KUDOS Award recognizes King County Parks for its creative and playful branding and tagline “King County Parks – Your Big Backyard’” and its use of technology, innovative partnerships, and other low-cost means to communicate with the public.

The award, which was presented at the NRPA Congress and Exposition in Baltimore, is one of NRPA’s national honors that has recognized congressional leaders, agencies, professionals, volunteers and corporations that demonstrate commitment and excellence in media relations, voluntary services and long-term service contributions in the park and recreation community.

“We are delighted to receive this national award from NRPA that recognizes our efforts to communicate with and engage King County citizens,” said King County Parks Division Director Kevin Brown. “King County Parks is committed to finding creative, fun, and cost-effective ways that make our world-class parks system accessible for all people to experience and enjoy.”

“The national awards honor a diverse representation of those who, often from the front lines, inject creative thinking and proven practices into their personal passions and commitment for the parks and recreation field and their communities," said NRPA Chief Executive Officer Barbara Tulipane, CAE.

This is the second award recognizing King County Parks for its successful public outreach and communications efforts. In February, the agency received a “Totem Award” certificate of excellence from the Puget Sound Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America for its White Center Heights Park - Ultimate Park Makeover project with the Starbucks Coffee Company.

About King County Parks

King County Parks - Your Big Backyard - offers more than 25,000 acres of parks and natural lands, including such regional treasures as Marymoor Park and Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, 175 miles of regional trails, plus pools and a world-class aquatic center. By cultivating strong relationships with non-profit, corporate and community partners, King County Parks enhances park amenities while reducing costs. Learn more at the King County Parks website.

About NRPA

The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people. Through its network of more than 21,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy lifestyles, recreation initiatives, and conservation of natural and cultural resources. For more information, visit the National Recreation and Park Association website.