The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and sponsor Musco Lighting, recognizes outstanding park and recreation management with the prestigious National Gold Medal Award. The award honors communities that demonstrate excellence in long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development and agency recognition. The Gold Medal Grand Award will be presented during the Opening General Session on Tuesday, October 8.
Class I
Henderson Parks and Recreation, Nevada
Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine, California
Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
Plano Parks and Recreation, Texas
Class II
Round Rock Parks and Recreation, Texas
South Suburban Park and Recreation District, Colorado
Class III
Allen Parks and Recreation, Texas
Kettering Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts, Ohio
Roswell Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs, Georgia
Waukegan Park District, Illinois
Class IV
Doral Parks and Recreation, Florida
St. Charles Park District, Illinois
Westerville Parks and Recreation, Ohio
Winter Park Parks and Recreation, Florida
Class V
Erie Parks and Recreation, Colorado
Frankfort Square Park District, Illinois
Middleton Public Lands, Recreation and Forestry, Wisconsin
Oak Brook Park District, Illinois
State Parks
Florida Park Service, Environmental Protection
Missouri State Parks
North Carolina State Parks and Recreation
Virginia Conservation and Recreation Division of State Parks
Armed Forces
Fort Knox, Kentucky
Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia
Naval Base San Diego, California
U.S. Coast Guard Base Kodiak, Alaska
The National Awards are presented to deserving candidates in several specific categories. The recipients are chosen for excellence in a variety of areas including professional and voluntary service, programming, leadership, research and public outreach. The National Award Recipients will be honored during the Best of the Best Ceremony on October 9.
Robert M. Artz Citizen Advocacy Award
Dundee L. Jones
Robert W. Crawford Young Professional Award
Thomas G. Venniro
Excellence in Inclusion Award
Northwest Special Recreation Association, Rolling Meadows, Illinois
Excellence in Innovative Programming Award
City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation, Texas
Facility or Park Design Award
Smale Riverfront Park, Cincinnati Park Board, Ohio
Barb King Environmental Stewardship Award
McHenry County Conservation District, Woodstock, Illinois
Kudos Marketing Award
Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge, Louisiana
National Distinguished Professional Award
Seve Ghose
National Partnership Award
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Pennsylvania
Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt Award for Excellence in Recreation and Park Research (Individual)
Alan Graefe
Fellowships and Scholarships
Diversity Scholarship: The Diversity Scholarship supports individuals from historically underrepresented groups in the parks and recreation community as well as those who demonstrate outstanding contributions serving diverse communities with hopes of engaging their interest in future leadership roles within the association.
Diversity Scholarship Recipients
Marcus Coates
Edward Matthews
Student Scholarship: The Student Scholarship is presented to an outstanding undergraduate or graduate student in recognition of continuous extraordinary community service or contributions to the field.
Student Scholarship Recipients
Sarah Walters
Antonio Washington
Young Professional Fellowship: The Young Professional Fellowship’s primary focus is to inspire future participation and leadership in NRPA and to develop professional contacts with NRPA leadership.
Young Professional Fellowship Recipients
Brooke Burk
Mariana Espinoza
Jennifer Jones
Anna Wood