Our 2023 Report on the State of the Managed Recreation Industry

More than 1,100 professionals working in recreation, sports and fitness facilities responded to our extensive survey, telling us about everything from their construction and programming plans to their staffing trends, operational costs and more. Here, we reveal the responses, summing up the latest trends in park, recreation, sports, fitness and aquatic facilities.

Trends in Aquatic Facilities

Aquatic facilities may vary widely—from small resort pools all the way through elaborate aquatic parks and waterparks—but one thing they all have in common is water. In this section of the Industry Report, we talk about the survey responses from professionals working for facilities that include aquatics.
 

Trends in Parks & Recreation

Parks and recreation provides a vast array of programming and opportunities for local residents as well as visitors from afar. Here, we discuss responses to the Industry Report survey from respondents working for parks and recreation districts, departments and facilities.
 

Trends in Colleges & Universities

From their welcoming and engaging rec centers to their athlete-attracting sports facilities, colleges and universities provide myriad outlets for recreation, sports and fitness. Here, we consider the latest trends reported by professionals working for colleges and universities.
 

Trends in Schools & School Districts

From the grade school playground to the high school football field, schools and school districts offer plenty of opportunities for students to play and get active. This section of the Industry Report explores the responses from professionals working for schools and school districts.

Trends in Health, Fitness & Sports Clubs

After getting hit hard by the closures associated with the coronavirus pandemic, health and fitness clubs are finding their way back to normal. Here, we cover the responses to the Industry Report survey from health, fitness and sports club pros.

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

With their extensive program offerings and multipurpose facilities, YMCAs and similar nonprofit facilities reach a diverse audience with aquatic, recreation, sports and fitness opportunities. This section of the Industry Report reveals the trends reported by professionals working for Ys and similar facilities.

Trends in Camp Facilities

From the most basic campground to sleepaway youth camps, resort campgrounds and more, camp facilities provide close contact with the great outdoors. Here, we look at responses to the Industry Report survey from professionals working for camp facilities.

Trends in Sports & Rec Centers

Whether they’re public or private, the multipurpose nature of rec centers and sports centers makes for unique operations. Here, we take a look at Industry Report survey responses from sports and rec centers.

Goals!

After a few years of dramatic pandemic-related impacts on everything from budgets and visitorship to staffing and more, things are getting back to business as usual.