Twenty-five years ago, Chris Belbin, publisher of Recreation Management, had a vision for a publication that would provide the most up-to-date information on products and ideas, best practices and innovative approaches for facility managers at recreation, sports and fitness facilities. In that time, he’s steered the magazine with a deft hand, through six (seven by the time you’re reading this) Presidential elections, the post-dot-com recession, the Great Recession of 2007-2009 and the COVID-19 pandemic. Chris has created and nourished new partnerships with advertisers and industry groups, and he’s overseen our small team as we bring it all together every month.
In 25 years, we’ve covered a lot of ground, and a lot of trends. To celebrate that coverage, this month we’re highlighting 25 of the biggest trends in aquatics, parks, recreation, sports and fitness facilities, beginning on page 12. From the issues that have had an impact across all aspects of the industry (think sustainability and inclusion) to more specific developments that have been taken up by more and more facilities (like the growth of dog parks or the development of LED sports lighting), we’re highlighting the topics that have taken up space in these pages as they’ve emerged and changed in the past 25 years.
Looking back over the past 25 years of issues was an enjoyable task, and I find I can’t help but wonder what the next quarter century will bring. What major cultural developments will affect the way we experience recreation, the way we play sports, the way we engage in fitness activities? What new innovative products and practices will emerge? How will children born this year experience this industry when they reach adulthood, almost two decades from now?
Stay tuned for our January 2025 issue, where we’ll try to see through the fog in the crystal ball and take a guess at what might come next. Got ideas about what you think is on the horizon? Send your thoughts to [email protected].
Cheers!
Emily Tipping
Editorial Director,
Recreation Management
[email protected]
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