2026 State of the Industry Report 

Once a year, we ask professionals across the industry to weigh in on their operations and challenges, with an extensive 50-question survey that covers everything from staffing and programming to budgets, construction plans and beyond. More than 1,000 responded in 2026, and we summarize their responses here. 

Aquatic Facility Trends

From simple outdoor pools to natatoriums, splash pads and waterparks, aquatic facilities provide recreation, sports and fitness in and around the water. Here we examine the responses to the Industry Report survey from professionals working for aquatic facilities.
 

Parks & Recreation Trends

Parks and recreation departments and districts provide indoor and outdoor experiences for the diverse members of their communities. In this story, we take a deeper look at the responses to the Industry Report survey from professionals working for park-related facilities.
 

College & University Trends 

From athletics to recreation and student wellness, those who work for colleges and universities have a diverse range of needs to fill. Here we discuss the responses to the Industry Report survey from professionals working for college and university facilities.
 

School & School District Trends

From high school athletics and activities to playgrounds and more, schools and school districts offer a unique perspective on recreation, sports and fitness. Here we examine responses to the Industry Report survey from professionals working for school facilities.
 

Health, Fitness & Sports Club Trends

Helping people find the right outlet for exercise and fitness, health and fitness clubs, as well as racquet clubs and medical fitness facilities are devoted to wellness. Here we take a closer look at responses to the Industry Report survey from professionals working for fitness-related facilities. 

YMCA, YWCA, JCC and Boys & Girls Club Trends

YMCAs and similar nonprofit facilities offer a broad array of opportunities for aquatic, sports, recreation and other experiences to a diverse audience of community members. Here we investigate responses to the Industry Report survey from professionals working for Ys and similar facilities.

In Your Own Words

Every year, we ask respondents at least one open-ended question, giving them an opportunity to weigh in on the greatest challenges to their facilities. Here is a small sampling of commentary from Industry Report respondents over the years.

Trends in Camp Facilities 

Celebrating nature connection and providing a respite for people of all ages, camps, campgrounds and similar facilities offer a range of amenities and activities. In this web-exclusive story, we examine the responses to the Industry Report survey from professionals working for camp-related facilities. 

Trends in Sports & Rec Centers

Community and private sports and rec centers offer a range of opportunities to engage in sports, fitness and other programming. In this web-exclusive story, we look at the responses to the Industry Report survey from those working for these unique facilities. 

The More Things Change…

Because it’s the report’s 20th anniversary, I decided to dive a little deeper into the data this year, and you’ll see that reflected throughout, as I pulled in 20 years’ worth of reports to examine how revenues, costs, plans and more have changed since 2007.