18Sep2025 Read more Park and Conservation Leaders Receive the Honorable Cornelius Amory Pugsley Medal Three prominent park and conservation leaders from Virginia, Missouri, and Michigan received the Honorable Cornelius Amory Pugsley Medal for Parks and Conservation, September 17, 2025, at the annual awards dinner hosted by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration in Orlando, Florida. The Honorable Cornelius Amory Pugsley Medals are the most prestigious awards that recognize outstanding contributions to the promotion and development of public parks and conservation in the United States. The inaugural Pugsley Medals were awarded in 1928.
17Sep2025 Read more Grand Plaque Recipients Announced in the 2025 National Gold Medal Awards in Parks and Recreation Orlando, Florida, Sept 17, 2025– The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), is pleased to announce the Grand Plaque recipients in the 2025 National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. Musco Lighting, LLC is proud to continue sponsoring the Gold Medal Awards program as it has for more than 20 years. View photo gallery and the announcement video.
2Sep2025 Read more The Academy Welcomes New Fellows The following individuals will be inducted into the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at the Academy’s General Membership Meeting in Orlando. Academy Fellows are elected to the organization by the Academy Board of Directors following an extensive evaluation of their significant work contributions; efforts in promoting justice, equity, diversity and inclusion; degrees completed; acquired professional certifications; leadership in local, state, regional or national organizations; published research, articles and presentations; honors and awards; and letters of support from current members. Urban Director Fellows Kyla Brown, CPRE, Parks Director/General Manager, Riverside County Regional Park and Open Space District, Jurupa Valley, California Nick Walker, CPRE, Director, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation, Huntersville, North Carolina James C. Wheeler, CAFO, General Manager, Hayward Area Recreation and Park District, Hayward, California Educator Fellow Stephanie T. West, PhD, James Madison University, Harrisburg, Virginia Practitioner/Professional Fellows Carlo Capalbo, CPRE, Executive Director, Plainfield Park District, Plainfield, Illinois Laure Kosey, PhD, CPRE, Executive Director, Oak Brook Park District, Oak Brook, Illinois Jackie O’Connell, CPRP, Executive Director, MetroParks of Butler County, Hamilton, Ohio