The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), the nation’s leading advocate for parks and recreation, in partnership with the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), is proud to announce two new inductees to the Robert W. Crawford Recreation and Park Hall of Fame: Christopher K. Jarvi and Dr. Betty van der Smissen.
Christopher K. Jarvi profoundly shaped the park and recreation landscape, leaving an indelible legacy across all levels of service. Inspired by his forester father, he balanced recreation use with resource preservation throughout his distinguished career. After pivotal roles with Los Angeles County and the Catalina Island Conservancy, Jarvi dedicated 22 years to the City of Anaheim as Director of Community Services, where he cultivated community relations and championed quality of life initiatives for residents.
Jarvi’s influence soared at the national level when he became Associate Director for Partnerships and Visitor Experience for the National Park Service (NPS). Here, Jarvi spearheaded a national portfolio for partnerships, philanthropy, volunteerism, and youth programs, critically reorganizing the Partnership Office and leading the creation of the Service's foundational Interpretation and Education Renaissance Action Plan. He also advised Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar on establishing a 21st Century Conservation Corps for youth, demonstrating his commitment to the next generation of conservationists.
Jarvi's dedication extended to professional leadership, serving as President of both the California Parks and Recreation Society and the National Recreation and Park Association. His vision fostered critical partnerships and elevated the profession. Recognized with numerous prestigious honors, including the NRPA Distinguished Fellow Award and the Cornelius Amory Pugsley Award, Christopher K. Jarvi's unwavering commitment to enriching lives through parks and recreation forged a lasting impact on communities and the national park system. Jarvi’s legacy and impact is also reflected through the creation of the national scholarship for the advancement of partnerships in his name.
Dr. Betty van der Smissen left an indelible mark on the park and recreation profession, pioneering advancements in outdoor recreation, risk management, and experiential education. Holding both a Juris Doctor and a Doctor of Recreation degree, she uniquely merged legal acumen with recreational expertise, creating a lasting impact on safety and professional standards.
Dr. van der Smissen’s prolific career, spanning over five decades, saw her serve on the faculties of major universities, where she was known for her wisdom and generosity. She significantly influenced the next generation, mentoring over 100 doctoral students who became educators and leaders in the field. Her work was driven by a deep desire to be "in the service of people," ensuring everyone had access to quality outdoor experiences.
Van der Smissen was instrumental in elevating professional standards by developing accreditation criteria for university curricula, recreation agencies, and the American Camping Association. Her comprehensive "Management of Park and Recreation Agencies" became the definitive "go-to" manual for the field, providing essential guidance. As a recognized authority, she authored eighteen books, including the foundational "Legal Liability of Cities and Schools for Injuries Relating to Recreation and Parks" and "Legal Liability and Risk Management for Public and Private Entities", which revolutionized how agencies managed safety and liability.
Her unparalleled contributions are honored through awards named in her legacy by the Sport and Recreation Law Association and the Experiential Education Association. Dr. Betty van der Smissen's dedication to education, safety, and professional excellence left an indelible mark on communities and the national park system.