Linn County has been recognized with Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo), and the National Association of County Parks and Recreation Officials (NACPRO).
The recognition stems from the Linn County Parks Challenge, a geocaching recreational activity that involves hunting for and finding a hidden object by means of using GPS coordinates through www.linnparkschallenge.org.
The Linn County Conservation Department launched the year-round geocaching campaign in 2014, designed to use peoples’ love of technology to get them into the great outdoors -instead of keeping them inside. The Linn Parks Challenge offers adventure without requiring a lot of travel time or money. The Challenge directs people to find 25 caches hidden in 25 Linn County parks, preserves and historic sites. If participants make it to all 25 spots, they qualify for a free souvenir medallion.
“The Linn Parks Challenge has been a great success in connecting the public to Linn County Conservation areas," said Dan Biechler, Linn County Conservation Director. “We especially want to thank the Linn County Board of Supervisors, Linn County Conservation Lead Education Specialist Jenny Corbett, and the many experienced geocache volunteers for helping us get this program started.”
Linn County received NACo’s 2015 Achievement Award in the category of Parks and Recreation. Nationally, awards are given in 21 different categories that reflect the vast comprehensive services counties provide. The award was presented at NACo’s 2015 Annual Conference and Exposition July 10–13 in Mecklenburg County, N.C.
NACPRO awarded Linn County in the Park and Recreation Program Class I category at their banquet in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The Linn County Challenge is ongoing. Residents of all ages are encouraged to get out and join the fun of the challenge. Information about participating can be found at www.linnparkschallenge.org