NRPA and AAPRA Announce Latest Inductees to the Robert W. Crawford Recreation and Park Hall of Fame

Christopher K. Jarvi and Dr. Betty van der Smissen nominated to Robert W. Crawford Recreation and Park Hall of Fame for their service to parks and recreation

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), the nation's leading advocate for parks and recreation, in partnership with the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), is proud to announce two new inductees to the Robert W. Crawford Recreation and Park Hall of Fame: Christopher K. Jarvi and Dr. Betty van der Smissen.

Christopher K. Jarvi profoundly shaped the park and recreation landscape, leaving an indelible legacy across all levels of service. Inspired by his forester father, he balanced recreation use with resource preservation throughout his distinguished career. After pivotal roles with Los Angeles County and the Catalina Island Conservancy, Jarvi dedicated 22 years to the City of Anaheim as Director of Community Services, where he cultivated community relations and championed quality of life initiatives for residents.

Jarvi's influence soared at the national level when he became Associate Director for Partnerships and Visitor Experience for the National Park Service (NPS). Here, Jarvi spearheaded a national portfolio for partnerships, philanthropy, volunteerism, and youth programs, critically reorganizing the Partnership Office and leading the creation of the Service's foundational Interpretation and Education Renaissance Action Plan. He also advised Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar on establishing a 21st Century Conservation Corps for youth, demonstrating his commitment to the next generation of conservationists.

Jarvi's dedication extended to professional leadership, serving as President of both the California Parks and Recreation Society and the National Recreation and Park Association. His vision fostered critical partnerships and elevated the profession. Recognized with numerous prestigious honors, including the NRPA Distinguished Fellow Award and the Cornelius Amory Pugsley Award, Christopher K. Jarvi's unwavering commitment to enriching lives through parks and recreation forged a lasting impact on communities and the national park system. Jarvi's legacy and impact is also reflected through the creation of the national scholarship for the advancement of partnerships in his name.

Dr. Betty van der Smissen left an indelible mark on the park and recreation profession, pioneering advancements in outdoor recreation, risk management, and experiential education. Holding both a Juris Doctor and a Doctor of Recreation degree, she uniquely merged legal acumen with recreational expertise, creating a lasting impact on safety and professional standards.

Dr. van der Smissen's prolific career, spanning over five decades, saw her serve on the faculties of major universities, where she was known for her wisdom and generosity. She significantly influenced the next generation, mentoring over 100 doctoral students who became educators and leaders in the field. Her work was driven by a deep desire to be "in the service of people," ensuring everyone had access to quality outdoor experiences.

Van der Smissen was instrumental in elevating professional standards by developing accreditation criteria for university curricula, recreation agencies, and the American Camping Association. Her comprehensive "Management of Park and Recreation Agencies" became the definitive "go-to" manual for the field, providing essential guidance. As a recognized authority, she authored eighteen books, including the foundational "Legal Liability of Cities and Schools for Injuries Relating to Recreation and Parks" and "Legal Liability and Risk Management for Public and Private Entities", which revolutionized how agencies managed safety and liability.

Her unparalleled contributions are honored through awards named in her legacy by the Sport and Recreation Law Association and the Experiential Education Association. Dr. Betty van der Smissen's dedication to education, safety, and professional excellence left an indelible mark on communities and the national park system.

About The Robert W. Crawford Recreation and Park Hall of Fame

The Robert W. Crawford Recreation and Park Hall of Fame was conceived in 1987 by the late Robert W. Crawford and was named in his honor. The concept was expanded and refined by the Joseph Lee Memorial Library Committee with startup funds provided by a grant from the National Recreation Foundation. The first induction ceremony took place at NRPA's National Congress and Exposition in 1988. Since then, 44 individuals have been added to the prestigious collection of leaders and pioneers in the field of parks and recreation. 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.

To learn more about NRPA, visit nrpa.org.

To learn more about AAPRA, visit aapra.org.

###

About the National Recreation and Park Association

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With more than 60,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and advocates - the catalysts for positive change in service of equity, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being. For more information, visit nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA's flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit parksandrecreation.org.