News & Announcements

In announcing the 2023 National Gold Medal Finalists, AAPRA Executive Director Jane H. Adams shared, “Each agency is commended for submitting a 2023 application for the prestigious National Gold Medal Award.  The Academy congratulates the 20 local park and recreation agencies, the four armed forces installations, and the four state park systems on receiving the Finalist award. We look forward to presenting these awards at the Gold Medal Gala Reception in Dallas, Texas, as part of the National Recreation and Park Association’s annual conference.”  The 2023 Gold Medal finalists are: [Read more]

The American Parks & Recreation Foundation (Foundation), nonprofit philanthropic partner of the American Academy for Park & Recreation Administration (Academy), announces scholarships to cover the tuition for two (2) professionals to attend the National Recreation & Park Association’s 2023 Revenue Development & Management School (Year 1), which will be held March 12-17 at the Oglebay National Training Center in Wheeling, WV. The Revenue Development & Management School is designed to provide parks and recreation professionals with the knowledge, skills. and resources to build and manage budgets and develop alternative revenue streams. 

A Safe Zone Conversation (SZC) is defined as dialogue amongst a group of people purposely engineered to discuss human topics that can be deemed sensitive, uncomfortable, or complex in nature. It is an environment of mutual respect and inclusivity, a safe place for people to speak their minds. All comments and questions are welcomed. No judgements. No recordings. Safe Zone Conversations are generously facilitated by members of Illinois Park & Recreation Association's Diversity Leadership Task Force, or individuals specifically trained and approved by the task force. Currently, Safe Zone Conversations are designed to discuss racism, LGBTQ+, and Latinx matters. Register to join a Safe Zone Conversation April 27. Limited to 30 attendees per session.

AAPRA is proud to announce Dr. Chris J. Wynveen, Associate Professor, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, as the new JPRA Editor in Chief.   Dr. Wynveen was serving as an associate editor and reviewer of the Journal prior to this appointment and has frequently published his research in the Journal. Dr. Wynveen received degrees from University of Illinois, Clemson University, and Texas A&M University. In addition to his teaching and research, Dr. Wynveen serves as an associate editor with Leisure Sciences, Journal of Rural Social Sciences, and Society and Natural Resources.