Oro Valley Deputy Parks and Recreation Director Matthew Jankowski celebrates his award with Town of Oro Valley Parks and Recreation staff.
ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (Aug. 27, 2025) – The Town of Oro Valley proudly announces that Deputy Parks and Recreation Director Matthew Jankowski has been named the 2025 Outstanding Professional of the Year by the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association (APRA). This prestigious award was presented during APRA’s annual conference on Aug. 25, 2025, recognizing Jankowski’s exceptional leadership, innovation, and contributions to the field of parks and recreation.
The annual awards program honors professionals who have demonstrated consistent and meaningful contributions to the advancement of parks, recreation, and cultural services at the local, state, and regional levels.
“It is humbling to be recognized by my peers across Arizona,” said Jankowski. “I have been fortunate to work alongside talented teams and dedicated professionals who share a passion for serving communities through parks and recreation, and none better than those I have the privilege to work alongside here in Oro Valley. This award reflects the collective effort of the Town of Oro Valley, our staff and the partnerships that make our mission possible. I also want to acknowledge my incredible wife Kasey, and our three amazing boys, Joshua, Jackson, and Jones, who have always supported me.”
Jankowski’s nomination highlighted his “visionary leadership, commitment to innovation, and lasting contributions that continue to elevate both the Town of Oro Valley and the Parks and Recreation profession statewide.”
Since joining Oro Valley in 2018, Jankowski has overseen the Town’s Community and Recreation Center, the Oro Valley Aquatic Center, as well as Outdoor Recreation & Natural Resources; each as divisions that have experienced transformative growth under his leadership.
Membership at the Community Center has grown by 72%, while the Aquatic Center has received nearly $1 million in upgrades. As a result, outdoor programming has expanded to serve the community better. He also played a key role in securing a $1 million Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant to build one of Arizona’s most innovative skate and bike recreation parks at Naranja Park, located at 810 W. Naranja Drive.
Beyond Oro Valley, Jankowski currently serves as Vice President of the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association and is slated to become the organization's President in January 2027. He was also recently appointed by Governor Katie Hobbs to the Arizona Outdoor Recreation Coordinating Commission, where he helps shape statewide recreation policy and funding priorities.
At the heart of his work is a commitment to enhancing quality of life through parks, recreation, and conservation. His efforts in community engagement and historic preservation have built broad support for parks and recreation services while inspiring future leaders to carry the profession forward.