February 2026 Issue
Features
In Case of Emergency
Advice on Disaster Planning & Recovery
When disaster strikes, you need to be prepared. From flooding and earthquakes to blizzards, hurricanes and more, having a plan in place is crucial. Recovery is equally important.
Safer Swimming
Best Practices in Aquatic Safety
Protecting your pool visitors and your facility is a complex job that requires a state of constant vigilance. Lifeguards and other pool professionals are the front line, helping to prevent drowning and maintaining proper water balance.
Smarter & Greener
Combine Synthetic and Natural Turf to Meet Sports Field Demand
From the grass fields hosting parks & rec youth sports to the synthetic turf fields of the pros, sports fields come in all shapes, sizes and even materials. This month, we take a look at how to choose the best field design and sports turf, whether natural or synthetic, for your facility, along with some expert tips on keeping your fields in playing shape.
From Strength to Strength
Strength Training, Whole-Body Wellness & Sense of Space Are Top Trends
The fitness industry has come a long way from the early days of Jack Lalanne and Jane Fonda. From bodyweight-driven exercise to high-tech wearables and AI trainers, fitness facilities have a lot to keep track of to ensure they are offering a well-rounded program of options to members. In this feature, we take a look at some of the current trends in fitness.
Eye on Higher Education
College Recreation Professionals are Adjusting to Change
External environmental factors, including COVID-19, new artificial intelligence technology, economic conditions, and a dropping birthrate impacting the future number of college-aged students, have radically impacted the recreation industry.
Departments
inPERSPECTIVE / AQUATICS: Using Off-Season Windows to Rebuild Reliability
The off-season is your opportunity to improve your aquatic operations.
inPERSPECTIVE / YOUTH SPORTS: Rebalancing Youth Sports
Recreation professionals don’t need to reject competition—we simply need to provide an alternative framework that promotes equity, encourages joy, and keeps youth sports rooted in the values we champion.
inPRACTICE / SPLASH PLAY: Anamax Park in Sahuarita, Ariz.
An inclusive splash pad now anchors the enhancements to Anamax Park, giving families and residents a welcoming place to cool off and play together.
inSERVICE / ‘All Youth Deserve Time Outdoors,’ Says the Outdoor Opportunity Coalition
A coalition aims at congressional legislation to support more time and access for youth outdoors.
Web Exclusives
Sensory-Rich, Socially Inclusive Playgrounds
Creating truly inclusive playgrounds requires more than good intentions and ADA compliance.
Competition-Ready Aquatics in Coastal Texas
Strategic design and construction planning helped Brazosport ISD overcome environmental constraints to complete pool renovation ahead of schedule and on budget.
From the Editor's Desk
One Eye Out for Aconite
In which we wish for spring on winter’s coldest day.
Digital Edition
