News & Announcements

Friday February 20, 2026: START TIME: 10:00 AM PT | 11:00 AM MT | 12:00 AM CT | 1:00 PM ET 
Have you ever wanted to strengthen your professional development in our parks and recreation profession, but weren’t sure how to proceed? Consider joining the Mentorship Program sponsored by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) and National Recreation and Park Association’s Young Professionals Network (YPN).

Thursday February 19, 2026: START TIME: 9:00 AM PT | 10:00 AM MT | 11:00 AM CT | 12:00 PM ET (90 minutes) CEUs: 0.1 CEUs are available for this session. Advance registration required. This Master Class will explore evidence-based strategies for promoting and enhancing health and well-being through intentionally designed recreation and sport programming.The session will provide valuable  insights into the transformative impact of sport and recreation participation across diverse user groups. Attendees will learn how recreation professionals, educators, and practitioners can design and implement inclusive, engaging opportunities that foster physical activity, mental health, social connections, and overall quality of life. Visit the Conversations That Matter site for the full 2026 schedule.

The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) invites qualified Administrative/Association Management Service providers to submit a proposal for comprehensive management services. AAPRA seeks an experienced partner capable of delivering high-quality administrative support, financial management, marketing and membership support, event planning, online education sessions/webinars and project management services. Click here to access RFP. Click here to access Q&A results.

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.