Celebrating 20 years of Recreation Management, we talked to experts from multiple fields about what's changed in recreation, sports and fitness over the past two decades—and what changes might be coming down the pike.

Twenty years ago, Recreation Management magazine was launched by Publisher Chris Belbin—"a new magazine for a new millennium," with a goal of helping you stay on top of the trends, technologies and products that help you hone your competitive edge and meet the demands and expectations of the people who visit your facilities.

Parks and recreation facility managers have increasingly been leveraging technology to help run their facilities and enhance their marketing efforts.

Outdoor fitness opportunities make it easier for everyone to engage in wellness. And with new equipment options being introduced all the time, you have more ways than ever to expand your audience.

When I was 15, my dad tried to introduce me to birdwatching at the Merwin Nature Preserve near Lexington, Ill. The hobby didn't take—I was too impatient to learn the nuances—but that location evolved into my original "home trail." From the time I could drive a car, I'd take almost any opportunity to make the trek out there and explore, alone or with friends.

Learn more about how enzymes have evolved to provide specific results for aquatic facilities.

An alarming number of water-related deaths and injuries occur in and around pools each year. Learn how building codes have added provisions to make pools and spas safer.

Ensuring the safety of swimmers is critical for aquatic facility operators, and there are many important steps that go into maintaining safety. Well-trained lifeguards and properly maintained water and equipment are just two keys to ensuring the environment in and around your swimming pool is safe.

Waste collection can be a time-consuming process, made more challenging by unpredictable traffic patterns. That's why the city of Pittsburgh recently expanded its use of "smart" trash cans, deploying more than 1,200 around the city. The cans feature wireless sensors that can monitor fill level, weight, location and more, helping to maximize efficiency, and allowing the city to better deploy its maintenance staff.

Considering implementing or updating your local aquatic play area? Whether you have an existing sprayground that you'd like to refurbish and expand, or you're looking to build an entirely new splash play area, adding interactive, modular water features will inspire your community and engage all ages and abilities for years to come.