COUNTY News:

The Los Alamos County Community Services has been named a 2026 National Gold Medal Award finalist for Excellence in Parks and Recreation Management, placing the local parks and recreation system among the top agencies in the country in this population class.

This marks the second consecutive year the department has been selected as a finalist, following its 2025 recognition.

Established in 1965, the National Gold Medal Award program honors U.S. communities that excel in long-range planning, resource management, environmental stewardship, and innovative programming. Los Alamos County Community Services also earned CAPRA accreditation in 2024, a national distinction recognizing high standards in park and recreation management.

“Congratulations to Director Cory Styron and his Community Services Department on being a finalist for the NRPA Gold Medal Award!” Los Alamos County Manager Anne Laurent said. “This recognition reflects the incredible dedication of our Community Services staff, the continued support of our county, and the strong connection our residents have to our community services and resources. It speaks to the professionalism of their team and ongoing commitment to enriching quality of life across Los Alamos County.”

Los Alamos County Community Services will compete for the Grand Plaque, to be announced Sept.  30, at the NRPA Annual Conference in Philadelphia, Penn.

For information on the National Gold Medal Awards, visit AAPRA or NRPA.