The parks and recreation department received the 2013 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management on Oct. 8.

The recognition was awarded to the department by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration for cities with populations of 100,001 to 250,000.

"Round Rock's Parks and Recreation Department is one of the best in the business, and it is an important element of what makes us such a special community," Mayor Alan McGraw said.