FEBRUARY 2016
FEATURES

A Guide to Aquatic Centers
In our annual Guide to Aquatic Centers, we'll examine some of the latest trends in aquatic facilities. Feature stories will look at streamlining operations to run more efficiently, as well as trends in natatorium design and ways to make your pool more fun for everyone to keep patrons coming back for more.
Tips on Running a Safe & Cost-Effective Aquatic Facility
With every line item in the budget under scrutiny, aquatic facility managers are looking for ways to reduce operating expenses, while still providing the cleanest, safest and most efficient swimming environment possible.
Trends and Ideas for Natatorium Design
There's more than one thing designers and architects can agree on when discussing natatoriums, but the bottom line on all their common ground is this: It's a building and environment unlike any other.
Improving the Fun Factor in Aquatics
From natural playgrounds to community gardens and expanding nature trails, getting back to nature is a powerful recreation trend leaving its mark on just about everything in the industry-including aquatic programming, attractions and facility design.
Know Your Goals to Design Effective Sports Fields
Sports fields often must cater to a diverse range of sports and users—especially those serving park districts and local schools. Here, we talk to the experts about how to set your goals and design effective fields.
The Latest in Fitness Can Make Your Facility More Effective
Fitness is an ever-changing landscape, with new trends continually emerging, and old ones fading out. Running a successful fitness facility means remaining flexible and adjusting as each new trend comes and goes.
Trends in Nonconventional Recreation Structures
From tensioned fabric structures to air-supported and beyond, there are plenty of options when you want to enclose your recreation, sports and fitness activities without getting involved in a lengthy and complex design-and-construction process.
Inclusion Strategies for All Facilities
Making a commitment to more inclusive programming means more than mouth service. Training staff, incorporating smart programming and making sure your facility can accommodate everyone is crucial.
Correct water balance in commercial pools and spas makes the difference between a safe, attractive pool and a disaster. Advances in automation, new methods of disinfection and better education have made aquatic facility managers' jobs easier.
Dove Springs Park in Austin, Texas
A result of strategic, collaborative partnerships and forward-thinking community leaders, the new custom playscape at Dove Springs Park in Austin, Texas, is turning heads.
The Power of Water
Aquatic Programs for Diverse Communities & Profitable Swim Centers
Programming your aquatic facility wisely can lead to a big boost in attendance—and revenue. Here are some clever ways to attract new users to your pool while keeping existing swimmers satisfied.
Out of the Stone Age
Flexible Design Crucial to Recreation Facilities
Designing recreation facilities requires a flexible mindset, and an awareness that what students want now might not be the same as what they want next year.