October 2025 Issue

Features

TrailsHappy Trails

Creative Ideas for Paths & Trails

Trails can be so much more than a simple route from Point A to Point B. From sensory trails and trails that provide environmental education to regional trail networks that help connect communities, there are many ways to get creative with trail development.

Cedar ForestLife of the Potty

Adding & Maintaining Park Restrooms

Restrooms at parks and other outdoor sites are an essential amenity, helping encourage longer and repeat visits and improving guest comfort when they’re carefully selected for safety, aesthetics, inclusion and more.

AdobeStockBetter Events & Festivals

Ideas for Planning & Executing More Successful Events

On the day of a well-executed event, most attendees won’t realize how much time and effort goes into planning and executing the plan. Here we take a look at some of the crucial steps in planning and carrying off effective festivals and events, including safety, fun ideas to boost attendance and more. 

AquaticSpray On!

Meeting Guests’ Wants & Needs Drives Waterpark Innovations

Splash play continues to be one of the most popular planned additions for recreational facilities across the country. Here we take a look at some of the newest developments in splash play, from inclusion and interactivity to simply providing a way to keep cool on hot summer days. 

WhitewaterMaking Waves

From Thrill-Seekers to Chill-Seekers, Waterparks Aim to Please

Whether it’s the thrill of a plunge down a speed slide or the chill of a float along a lazy river under the hot summer sun, waterparks bring enjoyment of all kinds to people of all ages and backgrounds. Here, we take a look at some of the latest trends in outdoor waterparks.

Aquatic Development GroupSliding, Surfing & Splashing Indoors

All the Latest Innovations in Indoor Waterparks

Indoor waterparks take the summer fun of splashing and sliding, and extend it all year long. In this feature, we look at how indoor waterparks differ from their outdoor counterparts, and examine how to attract more visitors.

Departments

inPERSPECTIVE / TURF FIELDS: Testing Finds No Detectable PFAS in Synthetic Turf Field

Independent testing found that two newly installed synthetic turf fields had fewer PFAS than natural turf. 

inPERSPECTIVE / AOAP: How Partnerships Drive Innovation & Growth

Partnerships amplify resources and foster an environment of creativity and knowledge sharing that can lead to groundbreaking developments. 

inPERSPECTIVE / AQUATICS: PVC Decks Reshape Commercial Aquatic Facilities

Pool decks are one of the most important surfaces at an aquatic facility—both for safety and aesthetics. This is where a PVC pool deck membrane becomes an attractive solution. 

Web Exclusives

Mill Ridge Park Unites the Community

A 600-acre nature preserve in Tennessee gets an update with interactive, durable outdoor art.

Historic D.C. Mini Golf Course Gets a Restoration

America’s oldest continuously operating miniature golf course is restored to its 1930s splendor.

From the Editor's Desk

Spooky Season’s Here

Who doesn’t love candy apples, pumpkin carving, corn mazes and hay rides?

Water Fun for Everyone

Like many leaders in the recreation industry, those responsible for the operations of waterparks and other aquatic play spaces have been more and more focused on making sure their offerings are attractive for a wide range of users.

Digital Edition

October 2025 Cover