News & Announcements

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. 

September 16 – 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. Hyatt Regency Hotel Orlando – Celebration 5 & 6. All members attending the 2025 NRPA Annual Conference are encouraged to join us for the 2025 General Membership Meeting.  RSVP here if you plan to attend the General Membership Meeting. If you are unable to attend, you may access the complete Membership Meeting Packet. 

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

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: