News & Announcements

Lacey, WA. (May 5, 2022) – The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2022 National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. Musco Lighting, LLC continues its 20+ years as the proud sponsor of the National Gold Medal Awards program. See full press release
 

Founded in 1980, the American Academy for Park & Recreation Administration (AAPRA) is pleased to share these opportunities open to all park and recreation professionals and agencies! 

Individuals must be nominated for AAPRA membership by a current member, and they must secure two letters of support from additional Academy members. Requirements for membership include minimum of 15 years of experience at a high level of administration and a BS or BA degree. High level positions may be general manager, executive director, director, deputy director, superintendent with significant experience and oversight in parks, recreation, personnel, training, budgeting, planning, capital improvements, and marketing. Educator nominee must have attained the rank of full professor or served in a high level of academic administration. Practitioner and educator nominees must also be recognized as a leader through professional involvement, publications, major presentations, and honors and awards. See Member Nomination Form and the Urban Director Nomination Form apply. 

In February 2022 we emailed proposed bylaw amendments and mailed you a ballot to indicate your approval / disapproval of each amendment. We did not receive the required 50% of the members return their ballot so we are asking members again to vote approval or disapproval of the proposed changes. Your new ballot will be mailed Aprl 13. EACH vote is important. Your ballot must be postmarked no later than May 6, 2022 in order for it to count. These changes have been recommended by the Bylaw Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. Several of these changes will enable the Academy members to vote electronically in up-coming elections. Please vote when you receive your mail ballot. View the proposed bylaws here. Questions may be directed to President Bill Foelsch, 973.326.7371, bfoelsch@morristwp.com, OR Bylaws Chair Ray Ochromowicz, 630.418.0991, rayo@recreatepro.com.

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.