American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation

The American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation (AAPAR) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing quality of life by promoting creative and active lifestyles through meaningful physical activity, recreation, and fitness across the lifespan, with particular focus on community based programs. It is one of five national associations that are part of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD). AAPAR was formed in 2005 as a result of a merger between the American Association for Active Lifestyles and Fitness (AAALF; with roots dating to 1949) and the American Association for Leisure and Recreation (AALR; with roots dating to 1939), both of which were AAHPERD associations.

Organization
AAPAR members include professors, teachers, trainers, community leaders, fitness professionals, and students in the physical education/recreation industry. The organization promotes and accredits programs, conducts conferences and workshops, and publishes scholarly and trade journals, books, and research.

AAPAR consists of twelve focus groups, called Councils, which encompass the various expertise of its members. The Councils are:
 * Adapted Physical Activity
 * Administration and Leadership Development
 * Adventure and Outdoor Education/Recreation
 * Aging and Adult Development
 * Aquatic Professionals
 * Children, Youth, and Families
 * Facilities and Equipment
 * Fitness and Wellness
 * Lifelong Recreational Sports
 * Measurement and Evaluation
 * Professional Recreation
 * Safety and Risk Management