Parks Director To Be Inducted into AAPRA

The City of Raleigh's Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Director Stephen Bentley will be inducted into the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration this fall. The AAPRA is a professional organization dedicated to shaping the future of parks and recreation.

"It's a tremendous honor," Mr. Bentley said. "There are a lot of honorary organizations, but the AAPRA focuses on collaboration and the active participation of its members. I'm excited and eager for this opportunity."
The organization limits membership to 150 members. Mr. Bentley is just the seventh member from North Carolina. He will be inducted Sept. 30 at the 2026 National Recreation and Park Association Conference in Philadelphia.

Induction into the Academy represents one of the highest professional honors in the parks and recreation field, recognizing national leadership, accomplishments and commitment to advancing the profession.

Founded in 1980, the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration advances excellence in the administration of parks, recreation and conservation through leadership, research, education, mentoring, and public service.