News & Announcements

Ready to have your agency shine? Dreaming of earning the National Gold Medal Award – the premiere award in parks and recreation?  This engaging panel features representatives from the 2025 Grand Plaque recipient agencies as they share what it takes to earn parks and recreation’s highest agency honor. Hear how they approached the application process, showcased stories and data that stood out, produced a compelling finalist video, and found creative ways to celebrate their success with staff and community. Learn proven strategies, spark new ideas, and take your agency’s Gold Medal journey to the next level!

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.

The National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management opened 2025 nominations November 4, 2024. Nominations close March 7, 2025. Why go for a Gold Medal? Increase confidence in your agency’s capacity. Boost agency’s reputation and credibility. Add to your agency’s legacy. National recognition for your agency. Learn More

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.