The coronavirus pandemic has presented some unique challenge to recreation, sports and fitness facilities, leading to innovations in design for what's outside.

If there were ever any doubt about just how much people love aquatic venues, from swimming pools and splash pads to aquatic parks and hot tubs, just witness what happened when these facilities were forced to shut down in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

In my 15 years of covering the design of parks, recreation, sports, fitness and aquatic facilities here in these pages, I've seen some impressive innovations. As the spotlight of popular opinion shines on everything from reducing our negative impact on the environment to reaching out to those who are excluded to improving our chances at better health, those trends are then reflected in our expectations of the places we live, work, move and play.

Founded in 1885, SHAPE America - Society of Health and Physical Educators - is the voice of more than 200,000 health and physical education professionals across the United States. The SHAPE America community consists of health and physical educators in addition to advocates, supporters and more than 50 state affiliate organizations.

Proper pool care is based on preventing disease, protecting equipment and providing the expected swimmer experience. Maintaining adequate sanitation is the key to all three.

At this soccer complex, wear around the bench area was becoming problematic, but an eco-friendly approach made use of recycled tires to solve the problem.

The Fertitta Football Complex at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, recently got an upgrade to its training center with more advanced equipment and flooring.

As part of the Gateway Region YMCA’s strategic plan and capital development initiative, the Bayer YMCA underwent a $2.5 million renovation, bringing its offerings in line with modern demand.

As parks and open spaces experienced more visitors, the importance of site furnishings became even more evident. Site furnishings bring functionality and offer opportunities for social interaction, as well as shaping the identity of a space and creating orientation.

Whether you are building a playground from the ground up or upgrading and re-imagining an existing space, there are some basic principles that experts say stakeholders should adhere to. These "basics" are the foundations of any building project: planning, funding, design, construction and, ultimately, sustainability.