The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) recently announced five new members to the 2024-2025 Board of Directors.

 
Of the new Board members, two are licensed landscape architects, Christian Gabriel, FASLA and Stephanie Milewski, PLA, which Landscape Architect and Specifier News (LASN) believes is of the most importance for the industry.

Gabriel is an alumnus at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and served as the first National Design Director for Landscape Architecture at the United States GSA, at New York City studio, and as the Deputy Director of an urban parks agency. He has over twenty years of experience.

Milewski has worked in the design of parks, trails, and recreational spaces for more than twenty years. She is a landscape architect and senior project manager with HRG. She was the president of the Pennsylvania-Delaware Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and a member of the planning committee for the Northeast Pennsylvania Trails Forum.

"With a deep understanding of how intentionally designed spaces can transform communities, we are thrilled to welcome Stephanie and Christian to the National Recreation and Park Association's Board of Directors," said Jesus Aguirre, NRPA chair of the Board of Directors. "Their vision and expertise as Landscape Architects will bring incredible added value to our initiatives, creating vibrant and sustainable spaces that inspire belonging, well-being and joy in our communities."

In the August issue, LASN noted that NRPA did not place a focus on adding Landscape Architects to the board however, after reaching out, the play association placed further focus on the profession's inclusion in play.