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.

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. In this section of the Industry Report, we consider responses from professionals working for facilities that include aquatics.

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.

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. And then there was a Delta wave and an Omicron wave, and we pushed the gateway to "normal" back a little bit. This year, it seems like we're in a similar place: still waiting for normal to return.

Spectrum Aquatics, a PlayCore company, announced that Kersplash Pool Climbing Walls are now available with multiple color options, Kersplash Kolors, to complement any pool area.

PLAE announced fitness industry pioneer Roy Simonson as director of product innovation.

Rick Gomez Park is named after a true Buena Park hometown hero. Rick Gomez lived in Buena Park his entire life. He was always a popular coach, teaching children year after year, both baseball and football skills.

UFC GYM, the first major brand extension of UFC, announced that the company has partnered with Western Pennsylvania real estate developer and management company Piatt Companies to develop a new 40,000-square-foot UFC GYM Pittsburgh facility.

The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) has released its 2022 State of the Industry Report, which features an in-depth analysis of the trends and issues affecting the sports and fitness industry, including participation, economy and the industry environment in 2021.

According to a newly released National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Park Pulse poll, 81% of U.S. adults want parks and recreation to ensure inclusivity through policies and practices.