If there were ever any doubt about just how much people love aquatic venues, from swimming pools and splash pads to aquatic parks and hot tubs, just witness what happened when these facilities were forced to shut down in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

In my 15 years of covering the design of parks, recreation, sports, fitness and aquatic facilities here in these pages, I've seen some impressive innovations. As the spotlight of popular opinion shines on everything from reducing our negative impact on the environment to reaching out to those who are excluded to improving our chances at better health, those trends are then reflected in our expectations of the places we live, work, move and play.

Founded in 1885, SHAPE America - Society of Health and Physical Educators - is the voice of more than 200,000 health and physical education professionals across the United States. The SHAPE America community consists of health and physical educators in addition to advocates, supporters and more than 50 state affiliate organizations.

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.

There's no doubt that the past year has proven parks' worth. As we've been hunkered down at home, waiting out the pandemic and trying to stop the spread, parks have provided a respite, a place where it is safe to get together for some (socially distanced) social interaction, physical movement and even just a little peaceful reflection in a natural setting.

I have a confession to make. I think I might have used up all of my adventurousness when I was in my late teens and early 20s. Back then, it was no big deal to pack up a backpack, hop in the car with a few friends and hit the road for an extended exploration of national forests, parks and all the towns and country in between here and there.

I'm just back in my seat after shoveling off the driveway. Again. There are now two piles of snow out there that are taller than me. (Admittedly, I am not terribly tall.)

Established in 2000, the City Parks Alliance is an independent, nationwide membership organization dedicated entirely to urban parks.

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.

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.