At different ages, children need different kids of activity and movement to help them learn and grow. This feature will consider developmentally appropriate play, and how playgrounds are changing to provide what children need.

Despite constant innovation in aquatic programming, there will always be a need to include the basics. This month, we look at the most basic expectations of aquatic patrons—from mommy-and-me classes to competitive swim teams.

A back-to-nature movement to acquaint today's obesity-prone, technology-obsessed youth with the outdoors and the environment as a whole is gaining momentum nationwide.

The average American watches more than 4 1/2 hours of television daily, and kids from 12 to 17 years old increased their viewing time by 3 percent in 2006. This month, we help you find the best ways to get teens and tweens off the couch and into your facility.

Appropriate for all ages and abilities, indoor climbing is gaining a foothold as a top recreational pursuit. Since 1992, Vertical Endeavors, a full-service indoor climbing facility, has been building its business in conjunction with the sport's growing popularity.

The soon-to-be-completed 120,000-square-foot Regional Sports Center in Springfield, Ore., will be the largest amateur sports facility in the Northwest. From initial conception to out-of-the-box programming, big thinking permeates everything they are and do.

According to a survey from AARP, 98 percent of respondents age 50 and older knew how important exercise was. This level of awareness means marketers don't need to establish need, but show how their solution helps patrons overcome barriers to entry.

In the battle against obesity, fitness facilities are on the front lines. This column considers some clever ways to use technology to motivate more effective workouts.

It's extremely difficult to predict trends in recreational programs, which makes designing facilities to accommodate changing populations a real challenge. Planning up front for a little flexibility is key to success.

When designing a new skatepark—or renovating an existing one—it's important to keep everyone's needs in mind. From newbies to old pros, as well as BMX-ers, we cover the latest trends in these extreme parks.

Facility directors know that managing sports fields and grounds is critical to ensure players' safety. This feature takes a closer look at the ground beneath our feet to get to the root of potential problems.

In 2006, the oldest of the baby boomers turned 60. As this generation ages, they'll be healthier, more active and trendier than previous generations. Facilities willing to tweak their programs to meet this generation's needs will find themselves a step ahead.

When the playground at Tilles Park in Ladue, Mo., opened for its first full season this past May, its creators quickly realized that the park's goal to provide interactive play for children of all ages and abilities had succeeded beyond their wildest dreams.

Attending school just a few minutes from some of the best sun, sand and surf in Southern California could make it all too temping for MiraCosta College students to lounge at the beach. But varied and valuable classes keep them engaged, including the Wellness Center program.

While other arenas of the same age are already at the end of their lives, the Meadowlands remains a viable facility, largely due to investments to increase energy efficiency and improve safety and security over the past 10 years.

Recreational spaces like gyms and natatoriums may be fun, but they can also be extremely noisy. Here's a look at some smart strategies for turning down the volume.

Today there is a shower for virtually every application. Whether you operate an upscale fitness center or a community recreation center, determining your priorities and your members' needs is the first step in shower selection.

Having permeated every aspect of our increasingly busy lives, this input-versus-output mentality is following people to the gym, as well.

Take a look at this list of top skills for highly effective operations managers, and see how you stack up.

Like most things, fitness trends are constantly changing to keep up with participants' needs. While old staples are still alive and kicking, literally, new, out-of-the-box ideas are emerging onto the exercise scene.

Military recreation centers play diverse roles in service members' lives, serving as morale boosters and community builders. Learn more about the critical service these centers play.

Recreational facilities have been at the forefront of the green wave. As global warming and other environmental issues continue to grow the public's eco-consciousness, recreation managers must stay ahead of the curve and continue to deliver eco-friendly facilities.

From the humble fair to the glitz of an international festival, communities around the country are implementing new and creative ways to fund special events to bring in the public and their dollars.

When a popular sprayground attracted more patrons than it could handle, an upgrade was in order. Here's how one city makes water fun available to a region's worth of kids.

Going green is especially important in schools, where children are exposed for long periods to the problems posed by less eco-friendly building products. We look at how one school has raised the bar in California.

When stormy weather wreaks havoc on your landscape, make lemonade from those lemons. At the Dunes Bible Camp, a sawmill turns fallen timber from wasted wood to a wonderful resource.

As study after study emerges about the growing number of obese children in the United States, America's weight problem is casting a shadow on the health of its younger generations. New playground innovations can help reverse the negative trends.

Swimming pools are notorious users of energy—lots of it, from water to power and heating costs. This month, we consider some strategies for reducing your energy usage—and costs.

Artificial turf is a huge investment, and making the wrong decision could cost you. Here are some reasons why the cheapest option might not be the wisest choice.

With a growing interest in indoor climbing, facilities of all types are wise to take advantage of the popularity of this growing sport by adding climbing amenities.

Ensuring a properly trained and adequate staff to manage safety at your aquatic facility can be a challenge. We look at some of the imperative information you need to properly train and staff your aquatic facility to ensure swimmers are safe.

After-school and day camps offer a way for recreation centers to provide a much-needed service to their community. We talked to some successful program directors to get some top tips to camp success.

A successful aquatics program made a world of difference at this YMCA in Kentucky. We go behind the scenes to learn how one aquatics director got more people interested and involved.

Learn how one park got a handle on its water bills by automating its sprinkler to water when the weather required it.

The first facility in the National Park Service to earn LEED Platinum status, this new preserve center features many green components.

To truly focus on getting children interested in sports, you need to start them out with the right tools and techniques.

How can you take your concession stand from bland and blah to tantalizing and tasty? This month, we consider various ways to boost your concession operation by expanding your offerings.

When building a new aquatic facility—or renovating an existing one—it's crucial to ensure your facility is open in time for swim season. Here are some key considerations to keep your project on schedule.

If you operate a spa or hot tub in addition to your pool, it's critical to remember that a hot tub is not just a small swimming pool. Here's a look at some basics to help you ensure a safe dip for hot tub users.

For parents with kids, older adults with their spouses and other types of patrons, family and cabana-style locker rooms are a great amenity. We take a closer look at some ways to make your facility more family-friendly.

In many parts of the country, aquatic facilities are a summer haunt, but many facilities are taking a new approach to extend the season. Enclosed waterparks and pools offer patrons year-round water fun.

After careful consideration, we've selected the top winners of our sixth annual design awards competition. We're proud to showcase those facilities here, from the smallest park shelter to the largest university recreation center and more. Read on to see how these top-notch facilities are setting an example for recreation, sports and fitness facilities across America.

Winners

Aspen Lodge Recreation Center at Anthem Ranch
Brampton Soccer Centre
Carmel Clay Central Park
Parker Fieldhouse
Student Recreation and Wellness Center, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Student Recreation Center & Lockridge Arena, Colorado School of Mines
The David Wenzel Treehouse at Nay Aug Park
The Health and Fitness Center at Washtenaw Community College
Tom Muehlenbeck Center
Zeeland Natatorium

Editor's Choice Winner

Waunakee Village Center

Highlights
We are also pleased to showcase the following facilities that were submitted and sponsored by the firm that entered them:

Aberdeen Aquatic Center
District of Mission Leisure Centre
Georgia Southern University Recreation Activity Center Addition
Matt Ross Community Center
North Dakota State University Wallman Wellness Center
Sports and Health Center Addition, University of Minnesota Duluth
Stephen F. Austin State University Recreation Center
Troy Parks and Recreation Center
The University of Maine: Student Recreation and Fitness Center
Wellness and Recreational Sports Complex, The University of Texas-Pan American

Many campus recreation facilities open their doors for the public, but it's crucial to remember the audience these facilities were built to serve—and be sure to make their needs a top priority.

Selecting the right surface—especially for a multipurpose facility—takes a lot of careful consideration.

Experience is a valuable teacher. This design firm offers up what it's learned through years of designing aquatic facilities.

We asked more than 2,000 professionals from across the industry about their experience with facility operations, staffing, programming, building and much more. Here, we summarize the results from all facility types.

Breaking things down by region, this section takes a look at trends in facilities across the country. Learn where facility directors are anticipating growing usage and revenues, and where to find more synthetic turf, where to find more skateparks and where more facilities are planning to build.

With big differences in budgets and uses, professionals from urban facilities and rural facilities weighed in with their take on the current trends.

For the first time, we look at trends in aquatic facilities. With a major focus on leisure facilities, it's no surprise that waterpark-like trends such as slides and spraygrounds are taking a firm hold.

Parks and recreation departments help build our communities, connecting people with opportunities for recreation, sports, fitness, education and more. Read on to learn more about the major trends impacting the field.

Colleges and universities across the country offer sports and recreational fun as a way to get students interested in attending and to keep them healthy once they're there. Here we look at the major trends in campus recreation.

At schools across the country, recess and physical education are being sacrificed, and the ever-growing problem of childhood obesity is becoming a growing concern. This section of the report explores the trends in sports, recreation and fitness among schools.

In health and fitness clubs, facility managers this year tended to be more conservative in their spending and projections than other survey respondents. Find out what trends are impacting the health club market.

While many of the trends occurring in YMCAs and similar facilities mirror what's taking place in health clubs, these facility managers are anticipating much higher spending and revenues, as well as a greater focus on building healthy families.

Even in rough economic times, everyone wants to know how their salary stacks up. Learn where you stand compared to your peers in the field.

While rectangular pools are a necessity for many agencies and organizations, plenty of cities, parks and facilities are going off the traditional roadmap, adding waterpark-like elements and programs.

While some facilities invest heavily in high-tech scoreboards, there are plenty of lower-cost, highly effective options available. Learn more to make the best decision for your facility.

At Crystal Beach Park, a stunning revitalization has led to increased play options for kids of all abilities.

With a need to expand clientele beyond the typical muscle-bound gym-goer, this facility's owner took some creative approaches to reach the community with strength training and other fitness options.

In cooperation with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the NSPF is making it easier for facilities across the country to stay ahead of outbreaks of recreational water illnesses.

College recreation facilities are central to campus life. In this Design Corner column, author Curt Moody explores ways the design can incorporate campus elements—including team colors and mascots—to solidify the campus culture.

Before you say ready, set, go, take a look at these 10 steps to ensure your road race comes off without a hitch.

While you can't anticipate every risk and problem, it is critical to do your best to assess the inherent risks in the activities and opportunities you provide for your patrons. By being prepared up front, you can do your best to prevent problems before they occur, rather than cleaning up the mess afterward.

Welcome to our annual Q&A Book. Packed with scores of ideas, this tool will help you tackle your most persistent and universal challenges. Scroll through the stories to discover straightforward tips to help address your facility's problems.

To learn what will be hot in city aquatic centers tomorrow, check out what's hot on college campuses and in private waterparks today.

Whether it's an on-site fitness center or a partnership with the local community fitness facility, more corporations are looking to offer outlets for their employees to get a little exercise.

As waistbands across the country expand, more Americans are looking for healthy snack alternatives. Learn how to adapt your concession stand to meet their needs.

When it came time to replace this pool's filters, the managers of the facility considered all their options before deciding on a solution that would save water—and money.

To get entire communities more active, consider installing exercise equipment outside in a park where everyone can access it.

Ensuring your playgrounds are as safe as possible will not only save you from worrisome lawsuits and other risks, but is also just common sense. Learn how to improve safety on your playground.

The difference between a huge success and a not-so-impressive new facility can often be whether or not the community is involved from the get-go. Learn more about how to get this critical input early, and often.

Everyone loves a little sunshine, but by now, we all know that too many rays can be life-threatening. That's why parks and recreation facilities across the country are installing shelters and shade structures that fit their sites.

As the federal government looks to update the standards associated with the ADA law, learn more about how to make your facility more inviting to patrons of all abilities.

If you've been closing things down or winding down for winter, you're missing a great opportunity to get potential patrons out of their doors and into yours. This month, we look at some ways to keep things rolling all season long.

Properly built and maintained trails serve as a quintessential amenity for the communities that use them. And with energy prices soaring, more people are stepping out or biking their way to work and play.

Shane's Inspiration has built several accessible playgrounds throughout the Los Angeles area, but it also goes one step further, by introducing programs that get kids of all abilities to play together.

With stunning views and ample education, this new environmentally friendly visitors center fits right into its park setting.

When this community pool needed repairs, the team went one step further. In addition to fixing a leaky problem, they also drastically reduced the cost of running the facility.

This town learned that providing a skatepark protects kids from the dangers of skating in the local streets and parking lots, while attracting newcomers to the sport and setting an example for other towns.

Wayfinding is a critical part of your facility's design, serving to help patrons figure out where their going, and possibly helping to reinforce your facility's image. Learn more about putting direction front and center.

Learn more about how the passage of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act impacts your aquatic facility.

If birds are a problem at your sports facility, you'll want to do something about it right away. Learn how such standouts as Wrigley Field have handled their pest problems.

There's always something new on the fitness scene, and as fitness options evolve, the equipment changes too. We talked to manufacturers, fitness facilities and personal trainers to learn about the latest and greatest.

Playground equipment is constantly revisited and evaluated for safety, creativity, innovation and more. Right now, from the philosophical underpinnings to the nuts-and-bolts manufacturing, play is undergoing important changes.

Whether your population's demographics are changing, your budget is shrinking or some other external force is driving you to change your offerings, it is critical to find ways to maximize your assets and create the most value for your users. A little community collaboration goes a long way.

Some park directors consider restrooms a luxury due to the costs of installation and maintenance. But if you're outfitting a new site or refurbishing an existing park, you can look to durable, versatile and aesthetically pleasing structures that will suit your needs.

This sports center and state-of-the-art training facility opened its doors in July 2008. But while the competition can get hot on the courts, players are kept cool by a clever solution.

Sometimes it pays to contract management of your aquatic facility to a third party. From developers to USA Swimming and others, here are some pros and cons to the public-private relationship.

Skateboards and the parks that accommodate them have both come a long way since they first hit the scene. Now precast concrete is revolutionizing the way skateparks are developed and built.

Score an "A" on your next splashpad or aquatic project by incorporating shade and the three C's—components, color and comfort—to ensure long-lasting cool fun on hot days.