News & Announcements

Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration is proud to announce the 2026 Class of AAPRA Fellows.
Founded in 1980, the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration advances excellence in the administration of parks, recreation and conservation through leadership, research, education, mentoring, and public service...

To honor the remarkable achievements driving the park and recreation movement forward, the American Academy for Parks and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) Board of Directors cordially invites leaders, and friends from across the profession to gather for the 2026 AAPRA Annual Awards Dinner. This premier evening brings together top executives, decision-makers, and innovators from across the country to celebrate outstanding leadership and achievement in park and recreation administration.

Fort Lauderdale, FL – [July 14] — The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) is proud to announce the four outstanding individuals selected for the prestigious 2026 Young Professional Externship Program. Designed to cultivate the next generation of industry trailblazers, this premier program provides an unparalleled opportunity for rising stars to connect with, learn from, and be mentored by some of the most respected professionals in the parks and recreation field.

Thursday September 17, 2026: START TIME: 9:00 AM PT | 10:00 AM MT | 11:00 AM CT | 12:00 PM ET (90 minutes)
CEUs are available for this session.
As communities become increasingly diverse, recreation professionals are challenged to ensure that programs and services are intentionally designed to be accessible, equitable, and culturally responsive to the needs of all residents. This class synthesizes current research and applied practice in ethical and inclusive recreation programming, emphasizing the importance of expanding meaningful recreation opportunities for historically underserved populations, including people with disabilities, rural residents, and low-income households. Participants will explore evidence-informed insights related to access, participation, and social inclusion, while examining the ethical obligations of recreation providers to identify and address systemic barriers that limit engagement. The class will highlight how recreation services can advance health, well-being, community cohesion, and quality of life when programs are designed to be inclusive and equitable. Through exploration of research findings, practical applications, and emerging best practices, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how inclusive recreation can serve as a catalyst for community development and foster more equitable opportunities and outcomes for all.

 Register today, and visit the Conversations That Matter site for the full 2026 schedule.

Lacey, WA. (April 30, 2026) – The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2026 National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. Musco Lighting, LLC continues its 20+ years as the proud sponsor of the National Gold Medal Awards program.