JANUARY 2008
FEATURES
Innovation and Safety Meet on the Playground
At different ages, children need different kids of activity and movement to help them learn and grow. This feature will consider developmentally appropriate play, and how playgrounds are changing to provide what children need.
Aquatic Programming Gets Back to Basics
Despite constant innovation in aquatic programming, there will always be a need to include the basics. This month, we look at the most basic expectations of aquatic patrons—from mommy-and-me classes to competitive swim teams.
Recreation's Push to Address 'Nature Deficit Disorder'
A back-to-nature movement to acquaint today's obesity-prone, technology-obsessed youth with the outdoors and the environment as a whole is gaining momentum nationwide.
To Get Teens Involved, You Have to Think Like One…Sort Of
The average American watches more than 4 1/2 hours of television daily, and kids from 12 to 17 years old increased their viewing time by 3 percent in 2006. This month, we help you find the best ways to get teens and tweens off the couch and into your facility.
GUEST COLUMNS
The Making of an Age-Friendly Wellness Center
According to a survey from AARP, 98 percent of respondents age 50 and older knew how important exercise was. This level of awareness means marketers don't need to establish need, but show how their solution helps patrons overcome barriers to entry.
Fitness & Exercise
In the battle against obesity, fitness facilities are on the front lines. This column considers some clever ways to use technology to motivate more effective workouts.
Design Corner
It's extremely difficult to predict trends in recreational programs, which makes designing facilities to accommodate changing populations a real challenge. Planning up front for a little flexibility is key to success.
FACILITY PROFILES
Vertical Endeavors in St. Paul, Minn., Duluth, Minn., and Warrenville, Ill.
Appropriate for all ages and abilities, indoor climbing is gaining a foothold as a top recreational pursuit. Since 1992, Vertical Endeavors, a full-service indoor climbing facility, has been building its business in conjunction with the sport's growing popularity.
Regional Sports Center in Springfield, Ore.
The soon-to-be-completed 120,000-square-foot Regional Sports Center in Springfield, Ore., will be the largest amateur sports facility in the Northwest. From initial conception to out-of-the-box programming, big thinking permeates everything they are and do.