A recent report covering four cities reveals how investments in parks, libraries, trails and other civic assets can change people’s perceptions of the surrounding neighborhood.

When the weather gets hot, people of all ages flock to the water, which is one of the reasons why splash play is so popular. With the tremendous growth in these amenities has come a wave of savvy new offerings.

Diverse aquatic programming and the diverse communities it serves have had a big impact on the way natatoriums are designed.

Communities looking to serve the needs of all have branched out when it comes to aquatic center design, providing far more than a simple place to swim laps.

At this recreation center, sustainability is one of the keys to effective design.

At Weber State, a little-used rooftop courtyard atop an athletic building gets a major refresh, bringing popular pickleball programming to students and staff.

The latest fitness facilities are focused on more than physical health, increasingly providing space for social interaction and even connection with the outdoors.

The role of landscape design in recreational spaces has evolved to include ADA requirements, sustainability trends and multi-use areas flexible enough to draw as many people as possible.

Not every facility can reach the heights of technology found in a professional arena, but smart ways to engage fans and players have trickled down from the big leagues, bringing video boards, better connectivity and more to a new generation of sports fans.

Once upon a time, a swimming pool was a swimming pool, and most of them were quite a bit alike. But over the years, as new ways of interacting with the water have led to popular new programs and new expectations from the public, aquatic designers have adapted, creating unique and innovative new worlds of water fun.