Upper Arlington Parks & Recreation Director Debbie McLaughlin will join one of the most selective groups in her profession this fall after being named to the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration's 2026 Class of Fellows.

The honor places McLaughlin among 26 professionals nationwide chosen through a peer-review process, according to a city announcement. AAPRA limits active membership to 150 fellows at any time.

McLaughlin will be formally inducted at AAPRA's Annual Networking Reception and Awards Dinner on Sept. 30 in Philadelphia, held during the National Recreation and Park Association's annual conference at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, AAPRA confirmed in a July 30 press release.

The fellowship recognizes professionals who have demonstrated leadership, service and contributions that strengthen communities through parks, recreation and conservation. AAPRA President Elizabeth S. Kessler, executive director of the McHenry County Conservation District in Illinois, described the 2026 class as one of the academy's largest and most diverse in its history, representing professionals from public agencies, higher education, nonprofits and the private sector.

Under McLaughlin's leadership, Upper Arlington's parks department has overseen the opening of the Bob Crane Community Center at 3200 Tremont Road, expanded programming for residents of all ages and invested in trails and outdoor spaces across the city.

"We have accomplished so much to expand and enhance our recreation facilities, park spaces and programming … and these accomplishments are a direct result of our last comprehensive plan," McLaughlin said in a July 17 city announcement launching a new Parks & Recreation Comprehensive Plan survey. "Community strategic planning works, and we can't wait to have the new plan in place to guide our department, as we work to balance ongoing operations and maintenance of existing facilities and programs with new opportunities."

That planning work continues. A Master Plan Survey opens Aug. 21, followed by a Bob Crane Community Center Satisfaction Survey starting Sept. 21 and a City Facilities Accessibility Survey in October.

The Parks & Recreation Advisory Board meets next on Aug. 12, at 6:30 p.m. at the Bob Crane Community Center. Residents can reach the department at [email protected] or 614-583-5333.