Our 2022 Report on the State of the Managed Recreation Industry

From facility construction and operations to staffing, programming and more, we asked professionals in the recreation, sports and fitness industry to tell us about their experience. Here, we gather hundreds of responses to report the latest trends in park, recreation, sports, fitness and aquatic facilities.

Trends in Aquatic Facilities

From natatoriums that host swim meets with space on the deck for spectators, to outdoor aquatic parks with pools, splash play slides and more, to the resort pool with its comfortable amenities, the range of aquatic facilities is broad.

Trends in Parks & Recreation

Parks have been a respite amidst the pandemic, and many adapted effectively to continue reaching their constituents with passive and active recreation. In this section of the Industry Report, we'll consider how things are beginning to transition back to normal for parks and recreation professionals.

Trends in Colleges & Universities

Colleges and universities provide myriad opportunities for every student and staff member to get involved in recreation, as well as supporting athletics with facilities as diverse as competition pools, football arenas, fieldhouses and more. In this section of the Industry Report, we consider the latest trends for respondents at colleges and universities.

Trends in Schools & School Districts

What would school be without the playgrounds of our early years and the Homecoming parades and football games of our teens? In this section of the Industry Report, we examine the responses from professionals working for schools and school districts.

Trends in YMCAs, YWCAs, JCCs and Boys & Girls Clubs

YMCAs fill a unique niche, providing a tremendous range of programming, from childcare to learn-to-swim and more. Here, we consider the responses to the Industry Report survey from professionals working for Ys, JCCs, Boys & Girls Clubs and similar facilities.

Trends in Health, Fitness & Sports Clubs

Health, fitness and sports clubs saw a heavy impact from COVID-19, with its facility closures. This year, responses to the Industry Report survey from health and fitness club professionals are optimistic about the future.

2022 Trends in Camp Facilities

From sleepaway youth camps to destination campgrounds, RV parks and more, camp facilities help visitors get in touch with the great outdoors. This article examines the responses to the Industry Report survey from professionals working for camp facilities.

2022 Trends in Sports & Rec Centers

From public recreation centers to private sports centers, these multipurpose facilities offer a broad range of programs to their communities. This web-exclusive feature considers Industry Report responses from professionals working for sports and recreation centers.

The Slow Road Back

Last year at this time, we were taking a hopeful look forward, and imagining a return to business as usual within weeks, or maybe months.