Professor receives award for work in parks and recreation

UNIVERSITY PARK. Pa. — Andrew J. Mowen, professor of recreation, park, and tourism management (RPTM) at Penn State, has received the Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt Award for Excellence in Recreation and Park Research by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). This national award was presented during the 2018 NRPA annual conference in September in Indianapolis, Indiana. 

The Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt Award for Excellence in Recreation and Park Research is presented to an individual whose contributions to parks and recreation through research have significantly advanced the cause of the parks and recreation movement and whose dedication to the field parallels the same dedication and zeal toward parks, recreation and conservation that was exhibited by the presidents after whom the award is named. 

“I am both gratified and humbled to receive recognition from my peers on the research I’m conducting,” Mowen said. “This award has emboldened me to further examine my research and to think more innovatively about the work I do.”

Mowen has made significant contributions to the field and was the lead researcher for NRPA's national survey of Americans' use of local parks and their study of local officials' priorities with respect to parks and recreation. He is currently leading research to inform "Penn’s Parks for All," the strategic plan for Pennsylvania State Parks, as well as the evaluation of Philadelphia’s Civic Commons park investments.

Kevin Roth, vice president of professional development for research and technology at NRPA said, “Andrew is second-to-none in his passion to bring practical and insightful research to parks and recreation. Thanks to his national-level research, we have a better understanding of the factors that affect agencies’ funding in the 21st century.”

Peter Newman, RPTM department head, said Mowen continues to be a national leader on the critical benefits local parks bring to communities.

“Penn State’s Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Management has a long and storied history of research, teaching and service in the area of park management,” Newman said. “This national level award honoring Dr. Mowen continues this legacy.  We could not be more proud of his work and what he brings to our department as a wonderful colleague every day.”

Barbara Tulipane, president and CEO of NRPA, said, “The NRPA is pleased to honor our nation’s park and recreation heroes — agencies and individuals who work tirelessly and with passion to improve lives and make their communities great."

The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that all Americans have access to parks and recreation for health, conservation and social equity. Through its network of 60,000 recreation and park professionals and advocates, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles, conservation initiatives and equitable access to parks and public space. For more information, visit www.nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, “Parks & Recreation,” visit www.parksandrecreation.org.