All Academy members, externs, mentors, buddies, and guests are invited to attend the Academy’s annual Awards Reception and Banquet. The event will be at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Orlando. The reception begins at 5:30 pm (registration not needed if attending only the reception) with award dinner and presentations 6:45 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Learn More & Register Here.

In announcing the 2025 National Gold Medal Finalists, AAPRA Executive Director Jane H. Adams shared, “Each agency is commended for submitting a 2025 application for the prestigious National Gold Medal Award. The Academy congratulates the 20 local park and recreation agencies, three state parks, and four armed forces installations on receiving the Finalist award. We look forward to presenting these awards at the Gold Medal Gala Reception in Orlando, Florida, as part of the National Recreation and Park Association’s annual conference.” The 2025 National Gold Medal finalists are: 

In support of its research mission, the American Academy for Park & Recreation Administration (AAPRA) hosts an annual research paper competition that alternates between best doctoral dissertation (even numbered years) and best master’s thesis/special project paper (odd numbered years). The following three awards will be given in 2025: One (1) Masters/Special Project Paper $750 and up to $500 in travel funds to attend the NRPA 2025 Annual Conference in Orlando, FL, September 16-18, 2025, and a Award Certificate of Merit. Two (2) Certificate of Merit awards to two Masters/Special Project Paper finalists.