Awards and Recognition

2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 - 1989

Since its founding in 1934, the Park District has been a forward-looking agency. We are continually evaluating and adapting to changing landscapes to protect our parklands and to stay relevant to the communities we serve. We are committed to excellence and accountability within our agency. We partner strategically with agencies, community organizations, and businesses to leverage our collective resources and knowledge for the greatest impact.

Over the years, the Park District has been recognized by peers, credentialing authorities and accrediting organizations for our leadership in financial management, public safety service, land preservation, land use planning, innovation in interpretive programming, community services, health and wellness initiatives and programs, and communications.

We are especially proud to have received recurring awards and recognition for the following:

Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA): Distinguished Budget Presentation Award Winner from 2005 to 2023 for our comprehensive budget documents that meet program criteria as a policy document, an operations guide, a financial plan, and a communications device.
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA): Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from 2000 to 2021 for our comprehensive annual financial reports that evidence the spirit of transparency and full disclosure.
Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA): Law Enforcement Accreditation in 2010. Advanced Law Enforcement Reaccreditation in 2013 and 2020; with Excellence in 2016. The accreditation recognizes our Police Department for excellence in public safety services, professional law enforcement, and management.

Below are awards and recognition that our Park District, Board of Directors, and staff received over the years.

2023

Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), Distinguished Budget Presentation Award: East Bay Regional Park District
WebAward, Best Government Website for EBRPD website, ebparks.org for Providing Public Safety Messaging During the Seasonal Impacts of Climate Change. Judging Report.
Granicus, Finalist for a 2023 Granicus Digital Government Award in the Customer Experience category
California Association of Recreation and Park Districts (CARPD), Awards of Distinction for:
• Outstanding Program/Event: 5th Anniversary UN International Day of Peace Celebration at Lake Chabot
• Outstanding Volunteer: Amelia Sue Marshall (Volunteer Trail Safety Patrol, Archives)
American Planning Association Northern California (APA), Award of Excellence in Resilience and Sustainability Planning: Former Roddy Ranch Golf Course Habitat Restoration and Public Access Plan (PDF). EBRPD and East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy.
East Bay Express (EBX), Best of East Bay - Romance, Best Wedding Venue: Brazilian Room
East Bay Times (EBT), Readers’ Choice Awards - Best Place for a Wedding: Brazilian Room

2022

Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), Distinguished Budget Presentation Award: East Bay Regional Park District
National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials (NACPRO), Outstanding Achievement in Parks and Recreation Facility Award: Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay, Fremont
American Planning Association Northern California (APA), Award of Excellence in Innovation in Green Community Planning: San Francisco Bay Trail Risk Assessment and Adaptation Prioritization Plan (RAAPP)
California Trails & Greenways (CTG), Merit Award for Planning: San Francisco Bay Trail Risk Assessment and Adaptation Prioritization Plan (RAAPP)
California Association of Recreation and Park Districts (CARPD), Awards of Distinction for:
• Outstanding New Facility: Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay, Fremont
• Outstanding Board Member: Director Ayn Wieskamp
• Outstanding Volunteers: Ned MacKay and Carl La Rue (Volunteer Trail Safety Patrol)
Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals (SORP), Distinguished Service Award: Director Ayn Wieskamp
American Horticultural Society (AHS), Great American Gardeners Awards, Liberty Hyde Bailey Award: Botanic Garden Manager Bart O’Brien
California Parks & Recreation Society (CPRS), District 3
• Outstanding JEDI Impact Award recognizing EBRPD policies on Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion; staff implicit bias training; naming of Thurgood Marshall Regional Park District, Home of Port Chicago 50, establishing Juneteenth as a holiday; UN international Day of Peace; survey and listening sessions; numerous programs promoting and putting into practice JEDI principles.
• Outstanding Park Award for Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay, Fremont
National Association for Interpretation (NAI), Special Award: Regional Interpretive and Recreation Services Manager Ira Bletz
National Association for Interpretation (NAI), Region 9 Sierra Pacific
• Master Interpretive Manager Award: Regional Interpretive and Recreation Services Manager Ira Bletz
• Outstanding Interpretive Volunteer: Ed Valenzuela

2021

United Nations Association USA, East Bay and Silicon Valley Chapters, Global Citizen Award: Contributing towards UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Providing essential services by keeping parks open and opening three shoreline parks during COVID-19 pandemic.
Government Technology (GT), Special Districts National Awards: Technology Innovation - Operations. Using technology to enhance internal operations and to increase engagement with public
National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials (NACPRO), Excellence in Parks and Recreation Facility Award: Three Regional Shoreline projects to increase public access, mitigate sea level rise, and restore habitat - Judge John Sutter, Albany Beach-SF Bay Trail, and Bay Point
California Association of Recreation and Park Districts (CARPD), Award of Distinction for Outstanding Innovation: Digital Learning
American Planning Association Northern California (APA), Hard-won Victory Award of Excellence: Concord Hills Regional Park Land Use Plan, Team: EBRPD and PlaceWorks
California Parks & Recreation Society (CPRS)
• Award of Excellence in Design - Park Planning: Three Regional Shoreline Projects - Judge John Sutter, Albany Beach-SF Bay Trail, and Bay Point
• Award of Excellence in Marketing & Communications - Digital Media-Web/Social Media: #LoveEBRPD Campaign
• Award of Excellence in Marketing & Communications - Marketing Campaign: COVID-19 Communications Campaign
National Association for Interpretation (NAI):
• Master Interpretive Manager Award: Supervising Naturalist Kevin Damstra
• Outstanding Senior/Retired Interpreter Award: Naturalist Linda Yemoto
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), Distinguished Budget Presentation Award: East Bay Regional Park District
Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, 57th Annual Community Service Awards: Green Business Award for promoting sustainable environmental business practices.
Audubon International (AI), Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary: Redwood Canyon Golf Course

2020

North American Rock Garden Society (NARGS), Frank Cabot Public Rock Garden Award: Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Regional Park
Public Lands Alliance (PLA), Outstanding Public Engagement Award: EBRPD 85th Anniversary & Regional Parks Foundation 50th Anniversary (Video)
California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO), Excellence in Public Information and Communications (EPIC) Award - Outstanding Marketing and Promotional: EBRPD 85th Anniversary and Regional Parks Foundation 50th Anniversary
California Association of Recreation and Park Districts (CARPD), Awards of Distinction for:
• Outstanding Community Outreach Campaign: EBRPD 85th Anniversary and Regional Parks Foundation 50th Anniversary
• Outstanding Community Organization/Partner: Regional Parks Foundation
• Outstanding General Manager: General Manager Robert E. Doyle
American Planning Association Northern California (APA)
• Innovation in Green Community Planning, Award of Merit: Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline, Team: EBRPD and Caltrans
• Planning Pioneer: Award of Excellence: General Manager Robert E. Doyle
Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA): Advanced Law Enforcement Reaccreditation: EBRPD Police Department
National Association for Interpretation (NAI), Outdoor Exhibit Award, 3rd Place: Parks to People - Mobile Visitor Center
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)
• Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting: East Bay Regional Park District
• Distinguished Budget Presentation Award: East Bay Regional Park District
California Special Districts Alliance (CSDA), William Hollingsworth Award of Excellence: Director Doug Siden
Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce (PCC), Green Business Community Service Award: East Bay Regional Park District
Alameda Chamber of Commerce (ACC), Business Excellence Award: Robert W. Crown Beach and Crab Cove Visitor Center and Aquarium, Alameda

2019

California Association of Recreation & Park Districts (CARPD), Award of Distinction for Outstanding Innovative Program: Park Rx and Stay Healthy in Nature Every Day (SHINE) Programs
National Association for Interpretation (NAI)
• Interpretive Media Award - Book Category, Second Place: Native Peoples of the East Bay: Past to Present
• Outstanding New Interpreter: Naturalist Ashley Adams
Save the Bay, Bay Hero Award: Director Whitney Dotson
Sierra Club, Trailblazer Award: Director John Sutter
California Special Districts Association (CSDA), General Manager of the Year: General Manager Robert E. Doyle
Bay Nature Institute (BNI), Local Hero Awards - Conservation Action Award: General Manager Robert E. Doyle
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)
•  Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting: East Bay Regional Park District
•  Certificate of Recognition for Budget Preparation: East Bay Regional Park District
•  Distinguished Budget Presentation Award: East Bay Regional Park District

2018

East Bay Economic Development Alliance (EBEDA)
East Bay Innovation Awards - 2018 Legacy Award: East Bay Regional Park District
Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF)
District Transparency Certificate of Excellence: East Bay Regional Park District
California Municipal Treasurers Association (CMTA): Investment Policy Certification: East Bay Regional Park District
The SHIFT Awards, Public Land Management Innovation Award for Diversity in Public Health Programs that Promote Inclusion, Equity and Empowerment: Healthy Parks Healthy People and Park Rx programs - Trails Challenge, Multicultural Wellness Walks, Kids Healthy Outdoors Challenge
California Parks & Recreation Society (CPRS)
•  Award of Excellence in Creating Community - Community Health and Wellness: Park Rx/Stay Healthy In Nature Every day (SHINE) Programs
•  Aquatic Section: “Vamos a Aprender” Spanish Language: Water Safety Program
•  Special Legislative Advocacy Award: General Manager Robert E. Doyle
The Bay Institute, Environmental Awards - Bay Heroes Award: Director Whitney Dotson
American Academy for Parks & Recreation Administration (AAPRA)
Cornelius Amory Pugsley Award: General Manager Robert E. Doyle
California Native Plant Society (CNPS), CNPS Fellow Award: Botanic General Manager Bart O'Brien
Public Safety Aviation Accreditation Commission (PSAAC)
Public Safety Aviation Accreditation: Air Support Unit, East Bay Regional Park District
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)
• Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting: East Bay Regional Park District
• Distinguished Budget Presentation Award: East Bay Regional Park District
Bay Area Green Business Program (BAGBP)
Bay Area Green Business Standards Certificate: East Bay Regional Park District
Gordian and the Harry H. Mellon Award committee (Gordian): Harry H. Mellon Award of Excellence in Job Order Contracting: East Bay Regional Park District
Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), Delta Charter, Friends of Education Award: Big Break Visitor Center, Oakley

2017

California Trails & Greenways (CTG), Merit Award - Event: Ivan Dickson Trail Event
National Association for Interpretation (NAI)
•  Outstanding Senior/Retired Interpreter Award: Chief Naturalist Ron Russo
•  Outstanding New Interpreter Award: Naturalist Virginia Delgado
•  Interpretive Media Awards - Site Publication Category - Second Place: Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve Junior Ranger Booklet
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)
• Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting: East Bay Regional Park District
• Distinguished Budget Presentation Award: East Bay Regional Park District
California Parks & Recreation Society (CPRS)
• Award of Excellence in Creating Community: CO-OP Program
• Award of Excellence in Design - Park Planning: Dotson Family Marsh Restoration and Public Access Project
American Camp Association (ACA), Special Recognition Award: Director Doug Siden

2016

California Geotechnical Engineering Association: (CalGEO), Outstanding Project Award: George Miller Regional Trail (Cal Engineering & Geology)
California Parks & Recreation Society (CPRS)
• Award of Excellence in Youth Development: Teen Eco Action
• Champions of the Community Award: Dr. Nooshin Razani (UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland) and Dr. Curtis Chan (San Francisco Department of Public Health) - Healthcare partnerships with EBRPD
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)
• Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting: East Bay Regional Park District
• Distinguished Budget Presentation Award: East Bay Regional Park District
Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA): Advanced Law Enforcement Reaccreditation With Excellence: EBRPD Police Department
California Association of Recreation and Park Districts (CARPD), Awards of Distinction for:
• Outstanding Board Member: Director John Sutter
• Outstanding Technology, Social Media and Marketing
American Academy for Parks and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), Cornelius Amory Pugsley Award: Director John Sutter
Greenbelt Alliance (GA), Champion Award: Director John Sutter
California Special Districts Association (CSDA), Board Member of the Year: Director Doug Siden
Assemblyman Rob Bonta, 18th Assembly District, 2016 Local Hero Award: Director Doug Siden
Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Center, Leadership Award: Director Doug Siden
Port Chicago Naval Magazine - Friends of Port Chicago Commemorative Hero’s Award: Chief of Planning/GIS Brian Holt
GM Robert Doyle invited to attend White House Water Summit hosted by President Obama administration on March 22 in conjunction with the UN World Water Day.
Alameda Magazine
• Best Place to Teach Your Kid to Ride a Bike: Crown Memorial State Beach
• Alameda Magazine, Best Place to Take the Kids: Crab Cove Visitor Center

2015

San Francisco Estuary Partnership (SFEP)
Outstanding Environmental Project: Breuner Marsh Restoration and Public Access Project, Richmond
National Association for Interpretation (NAI)
• Master Interpretive Manager Award: Regional Interpretive and Recreation Services Manager Ira Bletz
• Award of Distinction: Supervising Naturalist Kevin Damstra
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)
• Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting: East Bay Regional Park District
• Distinguished Budget Presentation Award: East Bay Regional Park District
American Planning Association Northern California (APA)
Comprehensive Plan Award: 2013 Master Plan
California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO)
Communications Campaign Award: 80 Years of Connecting Parks to People
California Trails & Greenways (CTG)
Road-to-Trail Conversion Award: Pleasanton Ridge and George Miller Regional Trail
Contra Costa County Workforce Development Board (CCCWDB)
Champion of Youth Advocacy Award: EBRPD Youth Job Opportunities
International Right of Way Association (IRWA): Chapter 2, Employer of the Year Award
East Bay Express:
• Best Dog Park with a View: Point Isabel Regional Shoreline
• Best Park: Tilden Regional Park
• Best BART-Accessible Hike: Briones Regional Park
• Best Free Bird Tour by the Beach: Crab Cove Visitor Center
• Best Place to Hike: Redwood Regional Park
• Best Place to Bring your Leftover Celery: Little Farm at Tilden Nature Area
Macaroni Kid: Best Place for Outdoor Fun, Ardenwood Historic Farm

2014

California Special Districts Association (CSDA), Exceptional Public Outreach: Directors Carol Severin and Ted Radke
Eugene O’Neill Foundation (EOF), Partnership Award: East Bay Regional Park District
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)
• Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting: East Bay Regional Park District
• Distinguished Budget Presentation Award: East Bay Regional Park District
California Parks & Recreation Society (CPRS), Award of Excellence in Creating Community - Community Health & Wellness: Healthy Parks Healthy People Festivals 2011-2013
California Trails & Greenways (CTG), Merit Award - Event: Ivan Dickson Annual Multicultural Volunteer Trail Work Day 2011-2013
California Association of Recreation and Park Districts (CARPD), Jim Meredith Award of Excellence: Director Carol Severin
Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals (SORP), Distinguished Service Award: Director Carol Severin
Pleasanton Weekly (PW), Tri-Valley Hero Award: Director Beverly Lane
Macaroni Kid, Best Place for Outdoor Fun: Ardenwood Historic Farm
Parents’ Press, Best local farms: The Little Farm at Tilden Regional Park and Ardenwood Historic Farm. Best nature day camps, Park’n It (Gold).
East Bay Express:
• Best Hike in the Sun: Stonewall-Panoramic Trail in the Claremont Canyon Regional Reserve
• Best Recreational Area: Roberts Regional Recreation Area
• Best Place to Camp with a Bunch of Friends: Anthony Chabot Regional Park
• Best Place to Walk Your Dog: Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Park
• Best Place to Picnic: Tilden Regional Park

2013

Ramsar International Convention on Wetlands
San Francisco Bay/Estuary, Wetland Site of International Importance
San Francisco Estuary Partnership (SFEP), Outstanding Environmental Awards: Big Break Visitor Center, and the Tidewater Service Area Outreach Project. Press Release
California Association of Recreation and Park Districts (CARPD)
• Award of Distinction for Outstanding New Facility: Big Break Visitor Center at the Delta
• Award of Distinction for Outstanding Newspaper Coverage: Ethnic Media Outreach 2010-2012
Northern California Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA-NCA)
Project of the Year Award: Alamo Canal Trail Under-crossing
California Trails & Greenways (CTG)
• Merit Award - Project Planning: Iron Horse Regional Trail Dublin/Pleasanton Gap
• Merit Award - Kids and Trails: Regional Parks Foundation, Kids Healthy Outdoors Challenge
YMCA of the East Bay (YMCA-EB), Celebrating the Difference Volunteers Make to Our Partner Organizations Award: Students Tikal Ramirez and Zachary Su, EBRPD Recreation Department; and Board President Rand Swenson and Past President Jay Gilson, Regional Parks Foundation
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)
• Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting: East Bay Regional Park District
• Distinguished Budget Presentation Award: East Bay Regional Park District
Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA): Advanced Law Enforcement Reaccreditation: EBRPD Police Department
American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), 2013 Research, Planning, Analysis and Communication Merit Award: Breuner Marsh Restoration and Public Access Project
American Trails International (ATI), Hulet Hornbeck Lifetime Achievement Award: General Manager Pat O’Brien
California Parks & Recreation Society (CPRS), Professional and Service Awards: Director Carol Severin
National Association for Interpretation (NAI), Outstanding Senior/Retired Interpreter Award: Naturalist Alan Kaplan
Association for Gravestone Studies (AGS), Forbes Lifetime Achievement Award: Supervising Naturalist Traci Parent (retired), for the book Rose Hill: A Comprehensive History of a Pioneer Cemetery
Audubon International (AI), Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary: Tilden Regional Park Golf Course
California Association of Public Information Officers (CAPIO), Award of Merit in Graphic Design: 2012 Trails Challenge Graphics
AVA Digital Awards (AVA), Gold Award, Video for the Web: Get Active!; Honorable Mention, Landing Page, Get Active!
California Park Rangers Association (CPRA), Lifesaving Award: Officer William Deleon-Granados

2012

League of Women Voters (LWV), Making Democracy Work Award - Street Level Health Project: Director John Sutter
National Association for Interpretation (NAI)
2012 Master Frontline Interpreter Award: Supervising Naturalist Mike Moran
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)
• Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting: East Bay Regional Park District
• Distinguished Budget Presentation Award: East Bay Regional Park District
• Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting: East Bay Regional Park District
Green Building Initiative, 3 Green Globe Rating: Big Break Visitor Center, Big Break Regional Shoreline
Youth Enrichment Strategies of Richmond, Outstanding Community Partner Award: EBRPD Recreation Department
California Park & Recreation Society District III (CPRS), Agency Showcase Award: EBRPD Mobile Parks Unit
Alameda County Fair: 1st Place Best of Class, 1st Place Special Effects and Creativity
American Planning Association Northern California (APA)
Award of Merit, Best Practices: Wildfire Hazard Reduction and Resource Management
East Bay Express:
• Best Family Bike Ride: Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail
• Best Quickie Workout Hike: Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve
• Best Urban Bird-Watching: Martin Luther King Jr. Shoreline
• Best Place to take the Kids and Walk Your Dog: Tilden Park

2011

California Trails & Greenways (CTG), Merit Award - Project Planning: East Bay Green Transportation Initiative
City of Lafayette and City of Walnut Creek, Contra Costa Council, Outstanding Collaborative Project Award: Acalanes Ridge purchase with Muir Heritage Trust
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)
• Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting: East Bay Regional Park District
• Distinguished Budget Presentation Award: East Bay Regional Park District
California Parks & Recreation Society District III: (CPRS), Outstanding Partnership Award: "Nature Day Camps" with City of Dublin
Save Mount Diablo (SMD): Mountain Star Award, Mary Bowerman Award for Science and Discovery: Wildlife Program Manager Doug Bell
East Bay Express:
• Best Deal for Family Fun: East Bay Regional Park District Annual Pass (Regional Parks Foundation)
• Best Fishing Spot: Lake Chabot
• Best Park: Tilden Regional Park

2010

International Public Management Association (IPMA), Outstanding Program Award: EBRPD Internships
American Planning Association Northern California (APA), National Planning Landmark Award: EBRPD 75th Anniversary
American Trails, Trail Advocacy: Director Beverly Lane
Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), Growing Smarter Together Award, Distinguished Leadership: Director Beverly Lane
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)
• Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting: East Bay Regional Park District
• Distinguished Budget Presentation Award: East Bay Regional Park District
Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA)
Law Enforcement Accreditation: EBRPD Police Department

2009

Alameda County Special Districts Association (ACSDA): Chapter of the Year
John Muir Association (JMA): Outstanding Public Agency
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)
• Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting: East Bay Regional Park District
• Distinguished Budget Presentation Award: East Bay Regional Park District
Reserve America: America's Top 100 Family Campgrounds
Oakland Magazine, Best Hike: Skyline Gate - Redwood Regional Park
California Parks & Recreation Society District III (CPRS): Partnership Awards
California Trails & Greenways (CTG)
• Event Award: Ivan Dickson Volunteer Trail Maintenance Program
• California Recreational Trails Committee Award: Director Beverly Lane
• Lifetime Professional Achievement Award: Robert E. Doyle
California Association of Recreation and Park Districts (CARPD), Best Innovative Program

2008

2007-1989

Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)
• Distinguished Budget Presentation Award: East Bay Regional Park District (2007)
• Distinguished Budget Presentation Award: East Bay Regional Park District (2006)
• Distinguished Budget Presentation Award: East Bay Regional Park District (2005)
National Association for Interpretation (NAI): Master Frontline Interpreter Award: Naturalist Linda Yemoto (2005)
Save Mount Diablo (SMD): Mountain Saver Award for Lifetime Achievement: Assistant General Manager, Land Acquisition Robert E. Doyle (2002)
Save Mount Diablo (SMD): Mountain Star Award for Stewardship: Park Supervisor Black Diamond Mines Roger Epperson (2002)
California Trails & Greenways (CTG), Lifetime Professional Award: Steve Fiala (2001)
California Trails & Greenways (CTG), Trail Program Merit Award (1998)
National Association for Interpretation (NAI), NAI Fellow Award: Chief Naturalist Ron Russo (1989)

The Radke Championing Advocacy Award

The Radke Championing Advocacy Award is awarded by the Park District and the Regional Parks Foundation to an advocacy champion who advances state or federal support for the East Bay Regional Park District.

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