News & Announcements

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.

The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society (PRPS), and National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) are proud to announce a career development video has been produced and financed by PRPS and is now available to introduce high school and college students to parks and recreation as a viable career choice.

Housed at nrpa.org/ChoiceCareer, the video is associated with complementary career development materials available to agencies and professionals nationwide. It is designed to be an integral component of seasonal staff orientations, new employee trainings, introductions to public recreation programs like family movie nights and teen programs, high school and public event presentations, and many other local opportunities that engage with the video’s prime audience.

A Choice Career: Parks and Recreation offers an interview-driven, “real people, real stories,” approach to create a compelling, emotional appeal that expands viewers’ awareness and understanding of the diversity and viability of a meaningful and fulfilling career in parks and recreation—along with an invitation to connect interest with action.

February 19, 2025, (11 a.m. PT/12 p.m. MT/1 p.m. CT/2 p.m. ET) The Academy’s Membership Committee will be hosting a Zoom on “6 Tips to a Successful Member Nomination.” Committee members shared their tips about identifying a nominee ensuring they have the required 15 years of high level of administrative experience as well as ensuring your nominee knows about the Academy’s JEDI pledge. Member nominations open March 20 and close May 16, 2025.  Register to attend here

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