The National Recreation and Park Association's vice president of strategic initiatives, Richard J. Dolesh, has received the 2019 Honorable Cornelius Amory Pugsley Medal.

 
The Pugsley Medals are the most prestigious awards that recognize outstanding contributions by an individual to the promotion and development of public parks and conservation in the United States, according to the NRPA.

"From the outset of his career in parks, recreation and conservation, Rich has been a leader, an innovator and a tireless advocate for the importance of parks in protecting the environment and preserving our natural resources and open spaces for future generations," said Joe Turner, former director of the Houston Parks and Recreation Department.

Dolesh's achievements are numerous - from involvement with the acquisition and management of 54,000 acres of forest, wetlands and swamps in the Chesapeake Forest Lands to being published in the Washington Post and National Geographic, to name a few. He has been an advocate, educator, mentor, author and leader, and is frequently consulted as a leading authority in the field of parks and conservation, according to a statement released by the association.

"On behalf of the entire NRPA board of directors and staff, I want to congratulate Rich on this outstanding achievement," says Kristine Stratton, NRPA president and CEO. "Rich's commitment to parks and recreation, specifically conservation, is unparalleled, and the impact of his contributions will make a difference for generations to come."