Dr. Kristi M. Fondren, associate professor of sociology at Marshall University, was recently selected to receive the 2016 Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt Award for Excellence in Recreation and Park Research by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).
The recognition stems from “Walking on the Wild Side: Long Distance Hiking on the Appalachian Trail,” Fondren’s book, which explores motivations and experience of extreme hiking in a natural environment and also addresses two of NRPA’s three current pillars: conservation and health and wellness. In the conservation arena, the research identifies problems in existing trail management regimens and offers potential solutions for improved resource and experience management in National Parks and related areas. Relative to health and wellness, the book provides a call for people to be more active and get out and experience the natural environment.
Fondren, whose research has been ongoing since 2005, said she was humbled by the acknowledgment.
“It’s not a book award per se but rather a research award that someone might receive later in his or her career, somewhat like a lifetime achievement award,” Fondren said. “In sociology we talk about how the self is formed in relation to significant people in our lives, but we are also place-situated beings, forming identities in relation to important places as well. We often forget the importance of place in shaping who we are.”
Each year, NRPA National Awards are presented to individuals and agencies across the U.S. to honor their efforts—both professional and personal—in the field of parks and recreation. There are 10 award categories in the NRPA’s National Awards program. Recipients are selected from a pool of applicants by NRPA’s National Awards and Scholarship Committee, and are chosen for excellence in a variety of topics, including professional and voluntary service, programming, leadership, research and public outreach.
The Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt Award for Excellence in Recreation and Park Research is presented to an individual whose contributions to parks and recreation through research have significantly advanced the cause of the parks and recreation movement and whose dedication to the field parallels the same dedication and zeal toward parks, recreation, and conservation that was exhibited by the presidents after whom the award is named.
“NRPA is pleased to honor our nation’s park and recreation heroes—agencies and individuals who work tirelessly and with passion to improve the lives of their citizens and make their communities great,” said Barbara Tulipane, president and CEO of NRPA.
The award will be publicly presented during a special reception at the 2016 NRPA Annual Conference in St. Louis on Thursday, Oct. 6.