Prince William County Parks and Recreation Director Elected to the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration; Deputy Director receives President's Award

Prince William, VA, October 18, 2024—Prince William County Parks and Recreation is proud to announce that Director Seth Hendler-Voss has been elected as a Fellow into the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration. Hendler-Voss was recently inducted at the Academy’s virtual General Membership Meeting on October 9, 2024. In addition, Deputy Director Janet Bartnik, Past President of the Academy, received an AAPRA President’s award for exemplary service to the Academy.

The Academy is an organization of distinguished practitioners and educators who are leaders in the parks and recreation profession. To be elected into the Academy, an individual must have served for at least 15 years in a high level of administration in a park and recreation agency and demonstrated outstanding leadership in professional organizations through service, writing or speaking. The Academy is limited to 137 active members.

Established in 1980, the Academy was formed to advance knowledge related to the administration of recreation and parks; to support and encourage scholarly efforts by both practitioners and educators to enhance the practice of park and recreation administration; to promote broader public understanding of the importance of parks and recreation to the public good; and to conduct research, publish scholarly papers and/or sponsor seminars related to the advancement of park and recreation administration. 

“The Class of 2024 is a great addition to the Academy,” said President Tracey Crawford, Executive Director, Northwest Special Recreation District, Rolling Meadows, Illinois. “The Academy is honored to induct Seth into its ranks. The Academy represents a diverse group of professionals and educators—all with superior career experience and a dedication to improving the quality of life through the provision of high-quality parks and recreation opportunities."

Hendler-Voss has served the industry for 20 years, the last seven in Prince William County, which has experienced notable growth such as $30 million of reinvestment in existing park infrastructure; five new parks and historic sites, 400 acres of new parkland committed or acquired; 15 new miles of new trail; $8 million in private partnership investment; record visitor spending; a 200% growth in youth environmental education; the creation of a historic communities research program; increased access for underserved populations; expanded community-wide special events like Fridays at 5 and the Holiday Walk of Lights; and national accreditation.

Bartnik has served the industry for 25 years and was the 2023 National Recreation and Park Association Distinguished Professional of the year.