Washington County received an award from the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials for its Lake Elmo Park Ski Trail Lighting Project.

The County Board accepted the award July 24.

The National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials (NACPRO) annually recognizes agencies throughout the United States for outstanding achievements in parks and recreation.  Washington County was selected as a 2012 award recipient in the “Park and Recreation Facility” category for the new Lighted Ski Trails at Lake Elmo Park Reserve.

The county improved and expanded winter skiing opportunities at Lake Elmo Park Reserve by adding more than 200 light fixtures to 5.4 miles (8.7km) of cross country ski trails.

The county worked with a lighting manufacturer to develop an innovative way of lighting the trails. Using a five-foot pole, the new energy efficient method focuses an LED beam of light down the directional trail, which makes the trails bright with very little light spillage.

This new lighting system allows residents an opportunity to exercise at night, while still enjoying the night sky.