OCTOBER 2006

When it comes to outdoor structures, the number of options continues to grow and become more specialized. There's decorative (pergolas), decorative/functional (gazebos) and strictly functional (prefab buildings), as well as combinations of all these elements. We look at the options to help you choose the structures that are best for you.

How to do you accessorize a sports facility so it can best serve as both competition and practice venues for a variety of sports? Facility managers and other experts share their advice on how to go about buying equipment, collaborating with designers and architects, as well as cutting costs without compromising quality.

Oh, let the light shine in. Facilities are finding more ways to make their lighting eye-catching, practical and environmentally sensitive. Most of all, lighting systems are becoming an affordable investment.

The purpose of NSF/ANSI Standard 50 (NSF 50) is to establish minimum requirements for materials, design, construction and performance of equipment commonly included in the water circulation systems of residential and public swimming pools, spas or hot tubs.

While thousands of skateparks have been installed in communities throughout the United States, almost all of these skateparks are of either modular or concrete design. But today, many communities are discovering another way that combines the benefits of both forms—the hybrid skatepark. It's been a popular choice at private commercial skateparks for many years, but it's now a growing trend that might make sense for your riders and your community.

Providing children with quality play environments is more important than ever. The outdoor social and physical environment that a child has access to is very strongly associated with how active children and their families are.

Even after decades of use and the introduction of alternative disinfectants, chlorine remains a king germ-slayer for commercial pool water due to its effectiveness, safety, low cost and convenience.

If you're a fan of arcades and a fan of waterparks, then Flick Park Pool is the place for you, where these two very different forms of recreation merge, among other watery amusements.

After a lackluster first year in business, the existing course and speed did not portend any sales improvement for Club Nutrition & Fitness in Springfield, Mo., for the upcoming 2005-2006 season. A change in strategy was badly needed—and some fresh ideas from an outsider.

As the tune goes, it's usually a paradise that's paved to make way for a parking lot. Fortunately, in the case of Pier 40 in Manhattan, the process has been reversed.