National Gold Medal and Academy Fellowship spotlight district’s outstanding leadership

BY HINSDALE MAGAZINE GROUP STAFF

The Oak Brook Park District has once again earned national acclaim, receiving the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management—the highest distinction in the field. The award was presented by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) during the NRPA Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida, on September 17, 2025.

This marks Oak Brook’s second Gold Medal win, having previously earned the honor in 2015. The district has been a national finalist since 2023, consistently recognized for its innovative programming, strong community engagement, and outstanding leadership. Competing in the Class V category for communities under 30,000 residents, Oak Brook received the Grand Plaque Award, the top honor among four national finalists.

“Earning this national recognition reflects the deep commitment our entire team has to creating exceptional experiences for our community,” said Park District Board President Sharon Knitter. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the hard work of our staff and the support of our residents acknowledged on such a prestigious stage.”

The Gold Medal Awards, established in 1965, celebrate communities that exemplify excellence in long-range planning, resource management, environmental stewardship, and professional development.

Adding to the district’s success, Executive Director Laure L. Kosey, Ph.D., CPRE, was inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration—one of the highest individual honors in the profession. Her induction was recognized during the Academy’s annual meeting on September 16 in Orlando.

Election as a Fellow recognizes professionals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the parks and recreation field. Candidates must have at least 15 years of leadership experience and demonstrate exceptional service, scholarship, and dedication to advancing public parks and recreation.

Dr. Kosey has led the Oak Brook Park District since 2010 and has been an active member of both the NRPA and Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) since 2000. Her leadership roles include serving on the IPRA Board of Directors and the Diversity Leadership Task Force, mentoring future leaders, and presenting at numerous state and national conferences.

Together, the district’s Gold Medal honor and Dr. Kosey’s personal achievement underscore Oak Brook’s continued leadership and innovation in parks and recreation—both locally and nationwide.