Leland Parks and Recreation has been recognized by the state for innovative programming. The award is given out each year to the parks and recreation department which provides a program that brings together the community. Leland's award winning program was titled "The Leland We Don't Know". Parks and recreation manager Niel Brooks said, “We took folks from the older part of town, long time residents, and then folks from the newer parts of town - a lot of the folks from the newer developments that we have along 17 and other places in town and got those folks together on some bus tours around town. That way they could learn about different parts of the community that they might not be so familiar with.” The program was so popular the parks and recreation department has a waiting list and will add more bus tour to meet the demand.