OCTOBER 2009

From picnic shelters to gazebos, pergolas, shade structures and more, there are plenty of ways to help your patrons get a little protection from the elements. This month, we look at the latest trends and what you should consider for your site.

More and more people—kids and adults—are taking to the field or court to play a sport. You can keep up by offering newfangled and fun activities that are seeing growing participation.

Many gains have been made in making sports and recreation more accessible to those with disabilities, but experts say more work needs to be done.

When designing trails, you need to consider seasonal demands, locations and purposes—one size cannot fit all. And it doesn't have to. A wide variety of approaches have been taken to create trails and greenways with mass appeal.

The concession stand can be a nuisance—or it can generate profits for your facility. This month, we consider some tried and true tactics to make it a little easier to run your concession and profit from it.

When your facility is being designed, don't forget the importance of the first impression. Lobby spaces set the tone, provide a central control point, offer a community gathering place and, ultimately, help establish your facility's identity.

We need to reverse the obesity trend for our children's' sake, and the solution is literally "in our backyard"—in the parks, playgrounds, programs and other outdoor recreational programs offered through recreation, sports and fitness facilities.

A recent survey of recreational water facility directors yielded plenty of advice to help them work more closely with inspectors and keep their facilities in top condition, water-quality-wise.

If your facility's restrooms and locker rooms are ready for an upgrade, you should consider ways you can use that renovation to improve your facility's eco-friendliness.

Looking for some smart ideas to program your pool? Check out the activities offered at this Connecticut facility, which range from simple lap swimming to exercise equipment under the water.

When Emerson Elementary School's playground was sending kids in from recess with splinters, the school needed a solution. Creative partnerships with the city of La Crosse led to a green and safe place for kids to play.

When guests are looking for a splashing good time, they head to Wilderness at the Smokies, which has a wide range of water rides and amenities to please patrons.