RecReport Research

Facility rentals and private events continued to be the most common source of funding for park respondents, with more than three-quarters (76.4%) indicating this is a source of funding. This compares with 61% of all other respondents to the Industry Report Survey.

In 2026, 27.1% of all respondents to the Industry Report survey were involved in initiatives to foster a connection between people and nature, while 25.1% were involved in resource conservation or green initiatives.

More than half (53%) of aquatic respondents to Recreation Management’s Industry Report survey said that they currently offer water safety programming at their facilities.

More than seven out of 10 Industry Report respondents—71.6%—in 2026 said that they have plans for construction over the next few years. 

According to the 2026 Aquatic Trends Report, 85.8% of respondents said that a lifeguard was watching their aquatic facility at all times. 

More than half (51.6%) of respondents to Recreation Management’s 2026 Industry Report survey said that they currently host youth sports programming at their facilities. 

Every age group covered by the 2026 Aquatic Trends survey saw more opportunity for swim lessons in 2025 than in previous years. 

Walking and hiking trails have consistently been among the top 10 planned additions at facilities since 2010.

According to the 2026 Industry Report survey results, more than half (51.2%) of health club respondents saw usage of their facilities increase in 2025.

According to the 2026 Industry Report survey results, locker rooms and bleachers were the most common amenity to be found among school respondents’ facilities.