Melissa Battite, Lexington's Director of Recreation and Community Programs, has been elected a Fellow of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, a peer-reviewed honor limited to 150 active members nationwide.

The Town of Lexington announced the distinction Aug. 2. Battite will be formally inducted at the academy's annual awards dinner on Sept. 30 at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, held during the National Recreation and Park Association conference.

AAPRA, founded in 1980, recognizes leaders whose careers demonstrate exceptional service and lasting contributions to parks, recreation and conservation. Candidates must clear a rigorous nomination and peer-review process, and the academy recognizes fellows in four categories, including one requiring at least 15 years of executive-level experience.

Battite has spent more than 33 years in public service leading municipal park and recreation agencies across Massachusetts. That's a long run. She holds a Certified Park and Recreation Professional credential she has maintained throughout her career, graduated from Southern Connecticut State University and the NRPA Director's Schools, and has served as president of the Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association.

The AAPRA election follows other recent recognition. Battite was celebrated May 12 as one of America's 250 Public Service Champions by the National Academy of Public Administration and LocalGov250, alongside Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. She was also inducted into the Hanscom Air Force Base Honorary Commander and Director Program.

AAPRA President Elizabeth S. Kessler, executive director of the McHenry County Conservation District in Woodstock, Illinois, said the 2026 class is one of the academy's largest and most diverse, representing professionals from public agencies, higher education, nonprofits and the private sector.

Closer to home, Battite's department operates as an Enterprise Fund supported primarily by the town golf course and user fees. As of an April 2025 town impact report, the department's top 10 programs all carried waiting lists, and indoor space was booked 80–90% of the time.