American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration

Advancing Park & Recreation Leadership

News, Awards, and Updates from the Academy 

Park and Conservation Leaders Receive the Honorable Cornelius Amory Pugsley Medal 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.

 

Grand Plaque Recipients Announced in the 2025 National Gold Medal Awards in Parks and Recreation 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.

The Academy Welcomes New Fellows 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
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Our Vision

To Inspire, Influence and Advance the Park and Recreation Profession

Our Mission: An Academy of distinguished park and recreation administrators and scholars committed to research, professional development and the use of best practices. LEARN MORE

What Is The Academy?

The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration