City of North Miami Parks and Recreation

The City of North Miami Parks and Recreation created a nationally recognized two-part program focusing on after-school athletic programs and on behavioral awards. Since 1995, the city has spent over $400,000 on the program which serves thousands of students at W. J. Bryan, North Miami, Gratigny, Ben Franklin, Natural Bridge and Linda Lentin Elementary Schools over the years have reaped the benefit of this outstanding program.

The first part is the APPLE (At-risk Program Promoting Leisure Education) program, which consists of inter-school basketball competitions. Scores are not kept and sportsmanship is stressed as well as skill development and equal playing time. The second part of the program, the Golden APPLE, recognizes students for excellence in leadership and deportment. It provides rewards for students including Emotionally Handicapped each week based chiefly on positive individual development in non-academic areas. School personnel have consistently reported student improvement in academics and behavior. Additionally, Teens in Action (TIA) encourages middle and senior high school students in the area to serve as volunteers for City of North Miami community events. The City believes that, “Great cities have great park and recreation program,” and it is very important that children, at a young age, realize that there are recreation alternatives other than TV-watching and anti-social behaviors.

Honorable Mention:

Sunset Congregational Church


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