A program of the National Recreation and Park Association and American Academy of Park and Recreation Administration
The public recreation and park movement in America owes its existence and growth to the vision and dedication of individuals who have worked to improve the quality of life in America through parks and recreation. Many of these leaders have made extraordinary contributions. As in the 1900's, our communities still face challenges in providing places for play and recreation, and facilitating activities in those places. The leaders recognized in the Robert W. Crawford Recreation and Park Hall of Fame serve as examples for future leaders in continuing the recreation and park movement.
Background
The Recreation and Park Hall of Fame was conceived in 1987 by the late Robert W. Crawford, Executive Director of the National Recreation Foundation and former NRPA Board of Trustee President. The Hall of Fame Committee and selection process is a joint project of the National Recreation and Park Association and the American Academy of Park and Recreation Administration.
To be considered, the inductees must meet the following criteria:
- The inductees must have made an outstanding and lasting contribution to the advancement of the park and recreation movement in the United States including, state, regional and national significance.
- The inductees' contributions must have been made in relationship to the mission of the National Recreation and Park Association and/or its predecessor organizations.
- Selection to the Hall of Fame is a posthumous honor. No nominee shall be considered until at least five years following death.
- Nominees will be considered for their contributions to the recreation and park field, warranted by historical review and evaluation of long term impact upon the recreation and park movement without regard to race, sex, religion, or age.
The Hall of Fame is open to the public and special commemorative plaques are on display at the Ahrens Institute, National Recreation and Park Association headquarters, in Ashburn, Virginia. The Hall of Fame is a fitting memorial to those leaders in the park and recreation movement who have enriched our philosophy and enhanced our environment.
Download the official application, guidelines and requirements, here. For more information visit
www.nrpa.org/awards or contact
awards@nrpa.org.