2009 Governor's Sterling Award
Parks received the 2009 Governor's Sterling Award. The Award, presented by Governor Charlie Crist and the Florida Sterling Council, recognizes organizations and businesses in Florida that have successfully achieved performance excellence within their management and operations.  Miami-Dade County's Park and Recreation Department is the first park and recreation agency in the State of Florida to receive the Governor's Sterling Award.
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SEFLIN Award
Parks was awarded the Southeast Florida Library Information Network (SEFLIN) Innovation Award for exemplary work with the development of its Parks and Open Space Systems Master Plan and its partnership effort with Miami-Dade Public Library System to make park and library facilities more accessible to residents. 
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2009 National Association of County Organizations (NACO) Achievement Awards which recognize innovative county government programs that better serve residents.

• Award presented to The Deering Estate at Cutler-Living Classroom for raising awareness of community environmental issues.
• Award presented The Deering Estate at Cutler-Artist Village for creating a hub for collaborative arts programs.
• Award presented to the Paralympic Partners for promoting sports and recreation services for persons with disabilities.
• Parks and Recreation Improving the Delivery of Excellence (P.R.I.D.E) for promoting quality, efficient, and responsive management and administration.

2009 National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO) Awards of Excellence

• Superior Award Presented to Gabriel Reyes and Ruben Perez in the Category of Brochures/Multiple-Page Booklets for EcoAdventures Naturalist Tours Brochure.
• Meritorious Award Presented to Edith Torres and Ruben Perez in the Category of Special Projects for Miami-Dade Parks' Ribfest 2008.
• Meritorious Award Presented to Ruben Perez in the Category of Brochures/Multiple-Page Booklets for 2008 Great Park Summit.
• Meritorious Award Presented to Ruben Perez in the Category of Graphic Design for EcoAdventures Logo.
• Meritorious Award Presented to Edith Torres as Public Information Officer and Ruben Perez as Graphic Designer in the Category of Special Projects for Miami-Dade Parks' Ribfest 2008.
• Meritorious Award Presented to Edith Torres, Public Information Officer, for Ives Estate Park Dedication.

2009 Miscellaneous

• The 2009 jury of Communication Arts Magazine has selected Peter Dooling's "Miami-Dade Parks Jazz Ensemble - Portraits" to appear in the Photography Annual 50, September/October 2009 issue.
• 2009 Visitor Industry Award by the Beacon Council recognizing the outstanding contributions to the local economy in the areas of job creation, business expansion, corporate citizenship, and leadership - Miami MetroZoo
• South Florida Parenting Magazine's  Hall of Fame Winner for the 2009 Kids Crown Award - Miami MetroZoo

"Best of" Awards

• The New Times' Best Public Park - Arch Creek
• The New Times' Best Place for a Second Date - Fairchild Tropical and Botanic Garden
• The New Times' Best Picnic Spot - Black Point Marina
• The Miami Herald's Best of South Florida: Readers' Choice for South Florida's Finest, Best Historical Attractions - Vizcaya Museum & Gardens and The Deering Estate at Cutler, first and second place respectively
• The Miami Herald's Best of South Florida: Readers' Choice for South Florida's Finest, Best Outdoor Attraction and Best with Kids - Miami MetroZoo  

2008 National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO) Awards of Excellence

• Superior Award Presented to Peter Dooling in the Category of Photography Series for Marketing Photos of Miami-Dade Parks 2007.
• Superior Award Presented to Peter Dooling in the Category of Photography (Single Photo) for "Flamingo at Miami-Metrozoo."
• Superior Award Presented to Peter Dooling in the Category of Photography Series for Miami-Dade Ribfest 2008.
• Best in Show Award Presented to Peter Dooling in the Category of Photography Series for Miami-Dade Ribfest 2008.
• Superior Award Presented to Ruben Perez in the Category of Graphic Design for Miami-Dade Parks Palmetto Mini Golf Logo.
• Meritorious Award Presented to Edith Torres and Ruben Perez in the Category of Special Projects for Miami-Dade Parks' Ribfest 2007.
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