SPRINGFIELD – Willamalane Park and Recreation District has been named as a finalist for the 2026 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. The honor was announced by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association.

“Being named one of four finalists for the National Gold Medal is an honor and a meaningful validation of the work our award-winning staff does every day. But our true measure of success is the consistent commitment our team brings to serving the Springfield community, day in and day out,” said Michael Wargo, Willamalane executive director.

This marks the first time Willamalane has been named a finalist since winning the Gold Medal in 2016. Willamalane also received the Gold Medal in ’86 and has been a finalist for the award eight other times, starting in 1970.

The program recognizes agencies based on the population they serve. Willamalane is competing in Class IV, serving communities of 30,001 to 75,000. The other finalists in Class IV include Rockville, Md., Glenview, Ill., and Kettering, OH.

The Grand Plaque honor will be announced Sept. 30, at the NRPA Annual Conference.

1Pass program launches

The Willamalane Park and Recreation District and City of Eugene Recreation have launched this year’s 1Pass program for local youth. Available for $60, the pass provides access to 17 destinations, including pools, mini-golf, and museums, from June 15 to September 7.

Parents can purchase passes through Willamalane or Eugene Rec, with scholarships available. A total of 11,000 passes will be sold, and due to increased demand, Springfield Public Schools is funding 2,000 passes for students to combat summer learning loss. For more details, visit GetRec.org/1pass or willamalane.org/1pass