Since the COVID-19 pandemic led to lockdowns beginning in March 2020, facilities in the United States have faced unprecedented changes, with widespread facility closures followed by tentative reopenings with social distancing and other safety measures in place.

When it comes to sports lighting, more and more facilities of all sizes are transitioning to systems that use the LED light source. The ability to retrofit by installing new lighting on existing poles is one way to make it more cost effective for parks, recreation and sports organizations to upgrade their facilities.

Over the course of the pandemic, thousands of Americans turned to local parks and other outdoor sites for exercise, as well as for a place to socialize safely. With so much increased use of parks over the past year, now is a good time to consider some upgrades.

Playgrounds, outdoor fitness spaces and recreation areas are places where communities go to play, socialize and develop important skills that transcend the space. To get everyone outdoors, it's vital we design spaces that are appealing, accessible, fun and tap into our inherent need for movement and adventure.

Aquatic play and splash pads have exploded in popularity over the past decade. You might be looking to jump on this trend, but what if you have a smaller space, a tighter budget or other constraints?

When you mix water with the typical types of surfacing used around pools and splash play areas, including concrete, ceramic tile and pour-in-place surfaces, floors become slippery, and accidents are bound to happen. Safer surfacing can provide peace of mind, helping to mitigate the risk of slip-and-fall accidents.

One of the most important steps in keeping water clear and safe for swimmers is maintaining a proper pH level. It is also a critical step in maximizing sanitizer efficacy to prevent damage to pool surfaces and equipment.

Studies have shown that physical activity dropped for many during the pandemic, particularly for those who were active before. Now, more people than ever are flocking out to parks and public spaces to improve their health and wellness.

Clean and well-maintained amenities are one of the cornerstones of managing your park effectively and encouraging guests to visit. And after more than a year of emphasis on health and safety, the cleanliness and safety of your restrooms are more important than ever. With budgets tight and staff stretched to the limit, you'll want to turn to restroom solutions that are simple to keep clean and easy to maintain.

Over the past decade, more communities have been striving for greater inclusion, ensuring people of all ages and abilities can get involved in recreation, sports, fitness and fun. Disabilities are most common among older adults, but the CDC reported in March 2021 that more than 3 million children (4.3% of the population under the age of 18) in the United States had a disability in 2019.