Parks and Recreation Director Robert Carmona has been inducted as a Fellow into the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, one of the highest honors in the field.

This recognition highlights Carmona's outstanding leadership, visionary contributions and dedication to the parks and recreation profession. The induction ceremony took place on Oct. 9 during the Annual Academy Awards Dinner in Atlanta.

Carmona has been instrumental in shaping Gilbert’s parks and recreation landscape over the past six years, overseeing the development of Gilbert Regional Park, Desert Sky Park and Cactus Yards.

Under his leadership, Gilbert has gained national recognition for its parks and facilities, earning more than 30 regional, state and national awards including the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies, or CAPRA, accreditation; a distinction held by less than 2% of agencies nationwide.

“Robert’s strategic vision and commitment to creating inclusive, dynamic community spaces have truly elevated Gilbert as a model for parks and recreation,” said Patrick Banger, Gilbert’s town manager. “His induction into the Academy is a testament to the impact he’s made not just here in Gilbert, but across the nation.”

Additionally, under Carmona's leadership, the department also became a Certified Autism Center through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards ensuring that parks, programs and services are welcoming and accessible to individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities.

Carmona's professional accolades include being a two-time Arizona Parks and Recreation Association Professional of the Year and the Phoenix Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 honoree.

The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration is an exclusive organization of distinguished practitioners and educators in the parks and recreation field.

To be elected as a Fellow, an individual must have at least 15 years of high-level administration experience or manage a department serving a population of more than 500,000.

They must also demonstrate exceptional leadership through service, research and advocacy for the advancement of public parks and recreation.

The academy is limited to 137 active members, making Carmona's induction a significant accomplishment.

Founded in 1980, the academy works to advance knowledge in park and recreation administration, promote public understanding of the importance of parks and recreation, and conduct research to support the profession.