HCPR Director Chris Stice elected to American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration

Chris Stice, Director of Hamilton County Parks and Recreation (HCPR), has been elected as a Fellow of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), one of the highest professional honors in the parks, recreation, and conservation field.

Stice was formally inducted during the Academy’s Annual Networking Reception and Awards Dinner on Sept. 30, held in conjunction with the 2026 National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Conference in Philadelphia, Pa.

Induction to the Academy recognizes distinguished leaders whose careers have demonstrated exceptional service, visionary leadership, and lasting contributions in parks, recreation, and conservation, and the outstanding service to the communities they serve. Academy Fellows represent the profession’s most accomplished practitioner, educators, urban directors, and advocates who have significantly advanced the quality of life through parks, recreation, and conservation in communities across the nation.

The HCPR team was there to support Stice at the ceremony. (Photo provided)

Membership is determined through a rigorous nomination and peer-review process and is limited to 150 active members. Candidates must demonstrate a distinguished record of professional achievement, leadership, service to the profession, and meaningful contributions that have strengthened parks, recreation, conservation, tourism, sports management, or related fields. The Academy recognizes Fellows in four categories:

1. Practitioner/Professional: Senior leaders with at least 15 years of executive level experience.
2. Educator: Distinguished university faculty or academic leaders with at least 15 years of service advancing parks and recreation education.
3. Advocate: Professionals from the private or nonprofit sectors whose leadership has significantly benefited the profession.
4. Urban Director: CEOs or Directors leading major public metropolitan park, recreation or conservation systems serving urban populations.

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. The Academy promotes innovation, supports scholarly research, recognizes exemplary leadership, and serves as a trusted voice on issues that shape the future of the profession.

“The Academy is honored to welcome the Class of 2026,” said AAPRA President Elizabeth S. Kessler, Executive Director of the McHenry County Conservation District in Woodstock, Ill. “This distinguished class represents exceptional leadership, innovation, and service from across the country. The collective experience, commitment to public service, and passion for improving communities through parks, recreation and conservation will strengthen the Academy in achieving its vision and help inspire the next generation of leaders.”

Stice’s election as a Fellow recognizes a career spanning 30 years of service to Hamilton County Parks and Recreation, its elected officials, Park Board, staff, and community. Throughout his tenure, he has helped lead the acquisition and development of the county park system, growing it from 200 acres to more than 1,800 acres and expanding the staff, programs and opportunities that contribute to Hamilton County’s quality of life.

His leadership has advanced park development, conservation, public access, and trail connections throughout the county. He has also supported expanded recreational opportunities, including the 44,000-square-foot indoor archery complex, year-round camping at White River Campground, the development of Seven Streams Park and Bur Oak Bend properties, as well as the expansion of Potter’s Bridge Park and the Nation’s Trail.

“My goal has always been to create places where our community can experience what I call ‘mantle moments,’ memories so meaningful that a photograph of that experience earns a place on the fireplace mantle at home,” Stice said. “Whether it’s a child’s first fishing trip, a family gathering or a quiet moment connecting with nature, our parks provide the setting for stories people cherish for a lifetime.”

Beyond Hamilton County, Stice has contributed to the parks and recreation profession through national and regional leadership. His service includes chairing the NRPA National Conference Program Committee, serving on the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials (NACPRO) Board and Legislative Committee, serving as president of the Indiana Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) Board, and serving as president of the Great Lakes Park Training Institute Board. Through these roles, he has been a strong advocate in the parks and recreation field.

Learn more about the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration at aapra.org.