The coronavirus pandemic has had a huge impact on how we look at disease prevention and safety in recreation, sports and fitness facilities. Here, we look at best practices to protect patrons' health while keeping them engaged.

Bringing people together for sports and activities is all part of the day's work, but in the midst of a pandemic, it can be tricky to figure out what's safest. Here, we talked to some experts to find out the ideal practices for socially distant sports.

From lifeguard training and water safety programing to technology that aids in drowning prevention, there are myriad ways to ensure aquatic facilities are as safe as possible.

From careful design and manufacturing through installation and use, safer playgrounds are made possible through continual innovation and ongoing maintenance. Learn more about how to keep kids safe while they're having fun.

AquaChamps Swim School has been offering comprehensive aquatic instruction to people of all abilities and ages since 1953, from infant swimming to competitive swim teams. In May 2020, they opened the doors of their new state-of-the-art aquatic facility in Oakland Park, Fla.

Dogs have been the real winners over the past year, as social distancing requirements have kept more people at home with their canine companions. Dog parks have provided the perfect outlet for two- and four-legged friends to socialize.

In our third annual Aquatic Trends Report, we examine the results of our survey of hundreds of aquatic professionals to uncover the latest trends in their facilities, covering everything from equipment and programming to budgets and challenges, as well as the impact of COVID-19.

General Facility Information

Budget Issues

Water & Resource Management

Outfitting Aquatics

Programming

Safe in the Water

Tracking Usage of the MAHC

Industry-Wide Challenges

The Pandemic Effect

When it comes to creating effective sports fields for players of all ages, there are many factors to take into account. From turf and lighting choices to seating and other amenities, ensuring the safety and comfort of players and spectators is key.

Dog parks have been among the fastest-growing amenities in parks for the past decade or more, and the pandemic has only further emphasized that people need an outdoor place to take their pets (and themselves) for exercise and socialization. But setting up a dog park isn’t as simple as fencing off an area and letting the pooches play.

Like many businesses, fitness facilities have struggled to stay afloat amidst the rolling closures of the coronavirus pandemic. Staying competitive is more important than ever, which means knowing the latest trends is crucial.

The pandemic might have put a stop to a lot of programming for large groups of people, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. This creative program in Fountain Valley gave kids a chance to get outdoors and hunt monsters while maintaining social distancing.

In a time when everyone’s focused on disease prevention and safety, park restrooms should be designed to protect patrons health and well-being.

With so many folks carrying smart phones, you can help them engage in more outdoor recreation by providing Wi-Fi-enabled programming at your parks.

If you want to ensure your park district or department can expand its reach as far as possible, partnering with outside organizations is one path to success. Creating park foundations and friends groups is a smart way to do more with less.

As industrial uses for waterfront resources subside, recreational opportunities are coming to the forefront. Learn more about how communities are taking advantage of these amenities to bring more recreation to their citizens.

Locker rooms have come a long way from the dingy, sweat-smelling places of yore. Modern designs are more inclusive and aesthetically pleasing, as well as being easier to maintain.

Inclusion is still a big deal on the playground, as more and more communities look to build play spaces that are inviting for everyone. Learn more about this and other trends in playground design.

Swimming for fitness is highly popular, but it’s not the only way for patrons to get fit at your aquatic facility. Learn about designing pools with all end users in mind.

Parks departments have an opportunity to step up and contribute to the health and success of their communities. Through new park approaches that adapt to the needs and realities of a post-COVID world and emphasize sustainability and inclusion, park designers are creating spaces that will serve more people, more effectively, well into the future.

Whether you are building a playground from the ground up or upgrading and re-imagining an existing space, there are some basic principles that experts say stakeholders should adhere to. These "basics" are the foundations of any building project: planning, funding, design, construction and, ultimately, sustainability.

As parks and open spaces experienced more visitors, the importance of site furnishings became even more evident. Site furnishings bring functionality and offer opportunities for social interaction, as well as shaping the identity of a space and creating orientation.

Fitness facilities, recreation centers and more are always looking for new and engaging ways to get people in the door and keep them coming back, and climbing walls and ninja courses provide that one-two punch of physical and mental stimulation, with a little adventure added into the mix.

The process to keep the water safe involves constant diligence and knowledge in chemicals, sanitization methods, air handling, mechanical systems and more. And beyond the water there are many other maintenance considerations.

Survival of the fittest facilities is credited in great part to savvy managers who keep their facility doors open. Selecting the right flooring to maximize that continual use has been a critical component to their overall success.

Natatoriums are always working to enhance their offerings and draw a variety of users to keep their facilities successful, while also addressing the challenges of air and water quality.

As construction of new indoor and outdoor aquatic parks again ramps up, park designers are seeing clients opt to go bigger and better using the latest product innovations to create more exciting, more active and more intergenerational parks.

Using smart strategies and innovations can make all the difference in getting your pool into tip-top shape. By establishing a set of goals and conducting a thorough assessment of your facility, you can renovate your pool successfully—without breaking the bank.

The coronavirus pandemic has presented some unique challenge to recreation, sports and fitness facilities, leading to innovations in design for what's outside.

Sports facility design is always looking to upgrade the experience—for players, for viewers and for coaches and staff. This year is no exception, with special attention given to health.

Flexibility is essential to the design of successful rec centers, whether they're designed for a diverse local community or a college campus. Learn more about trends in rec center design.

At this soccer complex, wear around the bench area was becoming problematic, but an eco-friendly approach made use of recycled tires to solve the problem.

Dog parks have become a tremendously popular amenity, and there are ways you can jump on that bandwagon and boost your bottom line.

Resilient recreational spaces take a variety of viewpoints into account to create flexibility and spaces that engage and adapt with time.

Natatoriums are always working to enhance their offerings and draw a variety of users to keep their facilities successful, while also addressing the challenges of air and water quality.

As construction of new indoor and outdoor aquatic parks again ramps up, park designers are seeing clients opt to go bigger and better using the latest product innovations to create more exciting, more active and more intergenerational parks.

Using smart strategies and innovations can make all the difference in getting your pool into tip-top shape. By establishing a set of goals and conducting a thorough assessment of your facility, you can renovate your pool successfully—without breaking the bank.

The coronavirus pandemic has presented some unique challenge to recreation, sports and fitness facilities, leading to innovations in design for what's outside.

Sports facility design is always looking to upgrade the experience—for players, for viewers and for coaches and staff. This year is no exception, with special attention given to health.

Flexibility is essential to the design of successful rec centers, whether they're designed for a diverse local community or a college campus. Learn more about trends in rec center design.

At this soccer complex, wear around the bench area was becoming problematic, but an eco-friendly approach made use of recycled tires to solve the problem.

Dog parks have become a tremendously popular amenity, and there are ways you can jump on that bandwagon and boost your bottom line.

Resilient recreational spaces take a variety of viewpoints into account to create flexibility and spaces that engage and adapt with time.

Nearly 1,400 professionals responded to our call for information about their facilities, budgets, construction plans, operations, programming, staffing and more. Here, we summarize their responses.

This section of the Industry Report takes a deep dive into aquatic facility trends, including indoor and outdoor pools, splash play areas, waterparks and spas.

Parks and recreation faced unique challenges over the past year, with more visitors to outdoor locations. This section of the Industry Report takes a look at this and other trends.

Colleges and universities have struggled over the past decade with state-level budget cuts, but continue to provide wellness, sports, fitness and recreation opportunities to their students, staff and communities.

Whether it’s a playground at recess or a Friday night football game, schools provide a unique sports and recreation outlet for their students and families.

Health clubs felt the impact of the pandemic more than almost any other type of facility covered in the Industry Report. Here, we take a look at how they fared, and how they’re expecting to come roaring back to life as people seek out more fitness opportunities.

YMCAs and similar nonprofit facilities faced the pandemic head-on, offering myriad programs for essential workers, those facing food insecurity and more. Here’s a closer look at trends in Ys.

In our 14th Annual Salary Survey, we track the careers, experience and salaries of nearly 1,400 survey respondents, covering everything from education and certification to job satisfaction, raises and more.

Playground manufacturers, planners and designers are increasingly seeking to go far beyond mere accessibility to provide truly inclusive playspaces that allow those with physical and developmental disabilities to play alongside their peers.

Successful aquatic facilities offer a range of programming, from the basic and expected learn-to-swim and lifeguard training through aquatic exercise, water polo, kayaking and much more. Learn more about the trends that will keep your facility swimming to success.

When you want to take sports activities, recreation, fitness and swimming year-round, sometimes a simple solution is the smartest. From pool enclosures that let the sun shine in to clear-span structures that make indoor soccer and football possible, there are plenty of ways to get the job done.

It’s been a rough year, and people of all ages are emerging from it with a refreshed desire to get active, and a fresh need for play.

When budgets are tight or you simply can't find a way to expand your offerings as far as you'd like, consider smart partnerships.

Welcome to our annual Problem-Solver Idea Book.

Packed with scores of ideas, this reference tool was designed to help you tackle your most persistent and universal challenges, covering all the big basic questions. Consider it an industry guidebook of sorts, chock full of straightforward problem-solving tips.

AQUATICS

The Importance of Proper pH Balance

Mitigate the Risk of Slip & Fall Accidents

Budget-Friendly Water Play for Small Spaces

Navigate the Pool Chemical Shortage

Reboot Pool Programming After COVID

Renovate Your Pool Affordably

Make Your Aquatics More Inclusive

Conserve Water & Save Money at Your Pool

Keep Your Pool's Water Clear & Safe

Accessorize Aquatics to Attract Patrons

The Importance of Ventilation in Aquatics

MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS

Use Technology to Do More With Less

Simplify & Streamline Purchasing

Payment Processing & Fulfillment

Risk Management & Claims Handling

Keep Your Facility Clean

PARK & SITE FURNISHINGS

Inclusive Ways to Boost Health Through Parks

Update Your Park Offerings

Dogs Need Nature Too

Bear-Proof Your Site

Turn Unutilized Land Into a Recreation Destination

Upgrade Your Wooden Boardwalk

Make a Good Impression With Site Furnishings

Enclose Power for Safety & Theft Prevention

Flexible Seating for Sports & Events

Earn Revenue to Support Your Dog Park

PLAYGROUNDS

Create an Inclusive Play Experience

Bring Adventure Back to Communities

RESTROOMS & LOCKER ROOMS

Find Maintenance-Friendly Restrooms

Restroom Safety & Savings

SHELTERS & SHADE

Safe Havens in Public Places

Beautify Your Site With Artistic Shade Solutions

Protect Swimmers From the Sun

Create a Farmers Market Space

SPORTS & FITNESS FACILITIES

Affordable, High-Quality LED Retrofits

Boost Participation With Ninja Programs

Choose the Right Volleyball System

Higher-Profit, Lower-Labor Synthetic Turf

As the latest generation begins to get involved in college recreation, it’s worth taking a step back to consider potential changes to make programs more effective for this generational cohort.

From pavilions that provide a central focal point for a park to shade sails that offer sun protection for swimmers in the pool, there's a multitude of ways to beautify your site and please your patrons with shelters and shade.

The "if you build it, they will come" concept might work for some facilities, but when it comes to swimming pools, once built, you need to outfit them with the right mix of accessories to maximize attendance.

When the pandemic forced most gyms to shut down or reduce capacity, many members took their workouts to the great outdoors. As a result, outdoor fitness, which was already seeing a boom, has really taken off.

For many facilities and recreation organizations, when the mercury drops, outdoor programming is at an end. But smart planning and flexibility can enable fun in the great outdoors on a year-round basis.

In Brookhaven, Ga., a park’s public-private partnership brings high-level tennis instruction to the community. And with a new lighting upgrade, it does so even more efficiently and effectively.

When this YMCA wanted to boost its energy efficiency, it turned to energy-efficiency-as-a-service to get the job done efficiently, and with no upfront investment in fixture and HVAC upgrades.

If it’s getting to be time to replace your out-of-date spraygrounds, rest assured that renovations don’t have to be overly complex. Find out more about simple ways to upgrade splash play.

Most waterparks felt a deep impact from the coronavirus pandemic, but many took advantage of the downtime to upgrade their guest experience. If you're ready to tackle that project, read on to get some ideas on how to come back with a splash.

Splash play designers continue to develop ever-more-innovative ways to bring play to everyone. From a better understanding of inclusive design to smart strategies for updating existing parks or making use of smaller spaces and off-hours, you can get creative with splash play too.

Managing the risks associated with waterparks is essential to success. Learn more about how to ensure you're prepared for any eventuality.

The systems we use to light up our fields and keep fans and players informed have come a long way. New innovations in lighting, scoring and sound technology have amped up the game-day experience for everyone.

Amid the pandemic, many parks experienced greater numbers of visitors than ever, leaving many to contemplate smart ways to upgrade. Safe and clean restrooms provide an essential amenity, ensuring guests stick around longer and are more likely to return.

With smarter use of chemical when needed and an expansion of eco-friendly practices like beekeeping and pollinator-attracting plantings, grounds managers are at the forefront of developing good-for-the-earth maintenance and management practices.

When this family-owned marina needed to update its mini golf operation, it turned to a win-win solution that pleased both the owners and their guests.

Today’s synthetic turf is easier on athletes while continuing to provide a low-maintenance surface that can provide far more hours of play and practice than natural turf fields.

With its associated grant funding, the Great American Outdoors Act offers an opportunity to parks and recreation areas across the country.