Recreation Industry News
Here are some recent reports–straight from the sources. Just pick and click.
Growth Projected for MENA Fitness Market
IHRSA and the Global Health & Fitness Alliance collaborated with Ken Research to produce the Assessment for Direct and Indirect Impact of Health and Fitness Clubs to MENA Economy - Outlook to 2025 report.
National Park Service Launches New Land Use Innovation Grant Program
The National Park Service, Environmental Protection Agency, and Groundwork USA announced the first recipients of a new grant initiative to help communities transform brownfield areas into community assets for a more just and resilient future.
SHAPE America Awarded Funding for Initiative to Advance Health Equity in K-12 Education
SHAPE America – Society of Health and Physical Educators announced that it has received funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Healthy Schools Branch for the National Initiative to Advance Health Equity in K-12 Education.
Study Illustrates Economic Potential of Great American Rail-Trail
The Great American Rail-Trail, which is the nation's first cross-country multiuse trail, will have a significant economic impact for the communities it serves, according to a new analysis released by Headwaters Economics, in partnership with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), the organization spearheading the trail's development.
City, State & County Leaders Celebrate Historic Infrastructure Investments
Leaders from the nation's leading city, county and state organizations kicked off Infrastructure Week (May 16-20) by sharing how game-changing federal investments in infrastructure are benefiting communities across the country.
U.S. Soccer Foundation, Adidas to Launch Free Neighborhood Soccer Leagues
To continue to chip away at barriers and level the playing the field, adidas and the U.S. Soccer Foundation announced that they will launch new free, competitive neighborhood soccer leagues in New York City and Los Angeles this fall.
2022 Finalists Announced for NRPA Gold Medal Awards in Parks and Recreation Management
The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), announced the finalists for the 2022 National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.
National Park Foundation Supports Climate Resiliency Through Service Corp Programs
The National Park Foundation announced its fiscal year 2022 investment in service corps programs across the country. Many of the service corps programs are helping parks be more climate resilient and helping people deepen their environmental stewardship.
SFIA Releases Second Batch of Single Sport Reports for Fitness Activities
The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) has released its second of three batches of 2022 Single Sport Reports, including 24 new individual reports for fitness activities. T
Players Health Unveils New Grant Program to Help Cover Rising Costs of Youth Sports
Players Health announced the launch of a new micro-grant program to pay youth athletes' registration fees as a thank you for the sacrifices made by parents and guardians.
EWG: About 75% of Sunscreens Have Inferior Sun Protection or Worrisome Ingredients
The Environmental Working Group released its 16th annual Guide to Sunscreens, finding that about 75% of more than 1,850 products evaluated rate poorly for skin protection from the sun, or have ingredients that could be harmful to health or heighten sensitivity to the sun's harmful rays.
American Council on Exercise Announces New Suite of Tools for Exercise Pros, Health Coaches
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) released a new suite of career support tools and resources to help exercise professionals and health coaches embark on lifelong learning and charter personalized career paths.
NRPA Survey: U.S. Adults Agree Access to Life-Saving Training Opportunities Is Paramount
Eighty-eight percent of U.S. adults agree it is important that the public has access to first-aid training and certification opportunities, according to a newly released National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) poll.
LWCF Coalition Applauds Grants Expanding Access to Parks
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition applauded the announcement made by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, for $61 million to be allocated to communities across the country through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program.
Experts Point to Safe Spaces Away From Busy Streets as Essential to Inspiring People to be Active
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) announced results from its latest survey of outdoor trail use and physical activity. Findings show the impactful role the nation's trails can serve in helping Americans become more physically active.
Annual National Trails Day to Leave the Trail & Outdoor Community Better Than Ever
Millions of people from across the country will hit the trail on June 4, 2022, celebrating the 30th annual American Hiking Society's National Trails Day. This year's celebration is about coming together to leave the trail and the outdoor community better than they found them.
Outdoor Recreation Industry Showcases Power of Americans Getting Outside
On the same day the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee passed the first-ever recreation package, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) and its members released an energizing video highlighting myriad outdoor recreation activities, the $689 billion outdoor recreation economy, and the more than 4.3 million jobs it supports while urging Americans to get outside and recreate.
New Report Examines Parks & Recreation Agencies
A recently released National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) report, the 2022 NRPA Agency Performance Review (2022 APR), outlines the vital services parks and recreation provides communities and offers industry professionals the information they need to gain funding support, improve operations and better serve their communities.
Landmark Commission on Professional Excellence in Early Childhood Education Launched
At a time when early childhood educators confront a deepening crisis despite proving how critical they are to children, families and the American economy, 17 national organizations dedicated to young children have come together to form a new Commission on Professional Excellence in Early Childhood Education.
Cities to Advance Local Community Safety
The National League of Cities (NLC) with the generous support of the Wells Fargo Foundation announced the launch of the Municipalities Reimagining Community Safety Initiative in response to upticks in violence in some cities and the need for coordinated local response.
ORR Applauds USDA's Investment in Climate-Smart Infrastructure
Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) celebrates Secretary Tom Vilsack's announcement that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing nearly $800 million in climate-smart infrastructure across 40 states and several U.S. territories.
Sara Kooperman Named Most Innovating Fitness Pro by Fitness Industry Technology Council
Fitness industry veteran and CEO of SCW Fitness Education, Sara J. Kooperman, JD, has earned another accolade to add to her growing list: the 2021 Most Innovating Fitness Pro Award from the Fitness Industry Technology Council (FIT-C).
Trust for Public Land Releases Statement on Newsom's 30x30 Plan
Trust for Public Land hailed Governor Newsom's final Natural Working Land Strategy and conservation plan to conserve 30% of the state's lands by 2030 as an ambitious step towards protecting the state's biodiversity, climate resiliency, and making the outdoors accessible to all Californians.
YMCA Board Elects Four New Members
YMCA of the USA (Y-USA), the national resource office for the 2,600 Ys across the country, announced the addition of four new members to its National Board of Directors.
USA Swimming Expands Team Services Department
USA Swimming announced that it has restructured and expanded its Team Services unit to enhance member services and provide more direct contact and support to members and clubs.
Move United Leadership Conference Scheduled for May 9 to 11
Move United, the national leader in community-based sports and recreation for individuals with disabilities, is hosting its annual Education Conference May 9-11, 2022, in Colorado Springs, Colo.
National Park Week Sparks Celebrations Across the Country
National Park Week, April 16 through 24, encourages everyone to discover something new about their national parks. With more than 400 national parks hosting a mix of special programs, activities and digital experiences, the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation invite all to explore and enjoy national parks during this annual event.
10 Ways to Take Action for Keep America Beautiful Month
Keep America Beautiful Month in April celebrates the work led by our 700 state and community-based affiliates, local partners, businesses, public officials and millions of passionate volunteers.
USA Swimming Partners With Diversity in Aquatics
USA Swimming, the national governing body for the sport of swimming in the United States, announced a multi-year partnership with Diversity In Aquatics (DIA), a volunteer-led organization working to bring together diverse aquatic stakeholders to raise awareness of the importance of water safety and drowning prevention education.
Milestones Build Momentum for Great American Rail-Trail in the West
Progress made this week to advance the Great American Rail-Trail is reason to celebrate, according to Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), the nation's largest trails advocacy organization and the lead organizers in the effort to connect the cross-country multiuse trail across 3,700 miles and 12 states plus the District of Columbia.
Partnerships Spark Collaboration Benefiting Parks and Local Communities During National Park Week
The National Park Foundation is celebrating the myriad ways that partnerships spark not only collaboration, but also creativity, discovery, innovation, opportunity, preservation and action that benefit national parks and local communities.
American Camp Association Partners on Child Abuse Prevention Initiative
The American Camp Association (ACA) is partnering with the YMCA Champions for Child Protection, YMCA of the USA, The Redwoods Group Foundation, the Monique Burr Foundation for Children, and Darkness to Light on the Five Days of Action initiative. Designed by Darkness to Light, the Five Days of Action is a weeklong campaign to raise awareness and inspire adults to take action to protect children from sexual abuse.
SFIA Releases Single Sport Reports for Team, Racquet & Action Sports
The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) has released its first batch of 2022 Single Sport Reports, including 35 individual sport reports in team sports, racquet sports and action sports categories. These reports provide a detailed analysis and breakdown of participation by various demographics, and by specific sport or fitness activity.
ACSM Releases Call to Action on Exercise & Autism
Autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, is the world's fastest-growing developmental disability, affecting one in 44 children in the United States alone. Fortunately, exercise provides many benefits for those with autism, including improvements to quality of life and management of stereotypical behaviors like verbal repetition and hand-flapping, says the American College of Sports Medicine.
National Park Service Awards $1 Million to Help Preserve Underrepresented Community History
The National Park Service (NPS) awarded $1 million in Underrepresented Community Grants to 22 projects in 16 states, the District of Columbia and Guam. These funds will support the identification, planning and development of nominations to the National Register of Historic Places to increase representation of Black, Indigenous and communities of color listed in the system.
IAAPA Promotes Michael Shelton to Vice President & Executive Director, NA Region
IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, announced the promotion of Michael Shelton, ICAE, to vice president and executive director of the IAAPA North America (NA) region.
Diane Regas, president and CEO of Trust for Public Land (TPL), released a statement in response to Vice President Harris' announcement on bolstering clean school infrastructure and transportation to support student learning and health.
ASLA Urges Governments to Focus on Cities and Nature to Meet Climate Goals
The third assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)--Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change--which was created by nearly 300 scientists in 65 countries over the past seven years, finds that cities are a significant contributor to global emissions.
YMCA of the USA Names Cesar Silva as EVP/Chief Administration Officer
YMCA of the USA, the national resource office for the 2,600 Ys across the country, has appointed Cesar Silva as executive vice president/chief administration officer (CAO), a new position for the organization.
ACSM Names Certified Fitness Pro of the Year
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) announced Alexis Batrakoulis, Ph.D., ACSM-EP, ACSM-CPT, EIM-II, as the 2022 ACSM Certified Professional of the Year.
IHRSA Seeks Fitness Facilities to Participate in Global Report
IHRSA, the Global Health & Fitness Association, is calling on health clubs, gyms and studios worldwide to partake in its 2022 Global Report Survey with the chance to be featured in its bestselling—and most requested—research publication, The IHRSA Global Report.
President Proposes $3.6 Billion Budget for National Park Service in FY23
The Biden-Harris Administration submitted to Congress the President's Budget for fiscal year 2023.
YMCA of the USA Board of Directors Elects New Chair
YMCA of the USA announced the election of CiCi Rojas to a two-year term as chair of the nonprofit's National Board of Directors.
NFHS Introduces National Coaching Credentials
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has unveiled a new professional development pathway for high school coaches through the NFHS Learning Center that will mirror the NFHS School Honor Roll program.
Proposed Budget Includes Increased Investments for Local Governments
National League of Cities (NLC) CEO and Executive Director Clarence E. Anthony issued a statement in reaction to President Joe Biden's proposed Fiscal Year 2023 Budget.
National Park Service Announces Nomination of Ohio Earthworks to Become UNESCO World Heritage Site
The National Park Service (NPS) announced the nomination of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks to the World Heritage List.
Landscape Architect Joins U.S. Commission of Fine Arts
The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) enthusiastically welcomed President Biden's appointment of Lisa E. Delplace, FASLA, as the newest member of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts (CFA).
President Biden Designates Amache National Historic Site as America's Newest National Park
President Biden signed the Amache National Historic Site Act, designating the Amache site in Granada, Colo., as part of the National Park System.
Parks Provide Billions in Benefits to NYC Residents
Trust for Public Land released a report analyzing the economic benefits that parks and open spaces provide residents of New York City — the first report to value the entire park system, including city, state and federal parks.
KaBoom! Announces $3.9 Million Partnership Expansion With The CarMax Foundation
KaBoom! announced a renewed partnership with The CarMax Foundation, which will support the creation of 25 kid-designed playgrounds over the next three years and ensure that at least 62,500 children in high-priority communities have access to safe and inclusive places to play.
The National League of Cities has selected four municipalities for their innovative programs, promoting inclusivity and diversity as the winners of its 2022 Cultural Diversity Awards.
Trust for Public Land and Mayor Brown Unveil Master Plan for City of Buffalo Parks
Mayor Byron W. Brown, in conjunction with Trust for Public Land, and the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, unveiled a groundbreaking master plan for the City of Buffalo's parks system.
USA Swimming Grows Community Impact Grant Program
In 2021, USA Swimming and the USA Swimming Foundation introduced the Community Impact grant program to increase competitive opportunities within USA Swimming clubs.
New NLC Data Shows Cities, Towns and Villages Are Leading Robust Recovery
The National League of Cities (NLC) released an update to its COVID-19 Local Action Tracker, which catalogues actions cities, towns and villages across the country have taken to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years.
Retro Fitness Opens New Clubs Across America
Retro Fitness, a leader in high-value, low-price fitness, announced the launch of its new, state-of-the-art exercise, health and fitness clubs, which will strengthen the member experience through innovative technologies, equipment and an even more enhanced community focus.
NRPA Survey: U.S. Adults Agree Youth Sports Access Should Be Equitable
Some 98% of U.S. adults agree it is important to provide youth with equitable access to sports opportunities, according to a newly released National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) poll.
Trust for Public Land Announces Brand Updates
Trust for Public Land (TPL) is launching a refresh of its brand — a new logo, tagline and visuals — that fully represents the movement to connect everyone, everywhere to the benefits and joys of the outdoors.
ASLA Releases Statement on Recent IPCC Report
The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) is deeply concerned by the latest scientific findings outlined in Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability, the second research assessment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and supports the increased global focus on restoring ecosystems and implementing 'climate resilient development' practices to help more vulnerable communities stave off the worst impacts.
Keep America Beautiful Announces 24th Annual Great American Cleanup
Keep America Beautiful, the nation's leading community improvement nonprofit organization, will launch the 24th annual Great American Cleanup (GAC) Monday, March 21.
NATA updates Recommendations on Head-First Contact in Football
The National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) published its position statement, "Reducing Intentional Head-first Contact Behavior in American Football Players" in the Journal of Athletic Training, NATA's scientific publication.
KaBoom! & Partners Launch Green Playground Initiative in Walker County, Texas
KABOOM!, the national nonprofit committed to ending playspace inequity for good, announced a new initiative in Walker County, Texas, to support child health and environmental resilience through a series of green playground projects.
Urban Land Institute to Advise Montgomery County, Md., on Glen Echo Park
A group of renowned urban planning and real estate experts convened by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) will make recommendations to the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture on revitalizing and expanding the historic Glen Echo Park.
Werk-Brau Introduces 6-Year Bucket
Werk-Brau has created and shipped their first 6-yard bucket for Production Class excavators.
JLG's Derek Maher Receives Ralph Rapson Traveling Study Award
JLG Architects' Derek Maher, AIA has been named the recipient of the 2022 Ralph Rapson Traveling Study Award presented by the Minnesota Architectural Foundation.
Ellis & Associates Announces Staff Addition
Ellis & Associates announced the addition of Darlene Reese-Sittig to the organizations' full-time staff.
Dr. Deborah Birx to Keynote GBAC Symposium on Air Considerations
The Global Biorisk Advisory Council, (GBAC), a Division of ISSA, announced that Dr. Deborah Birx, world-renowned medical physician, infectious disease expert and diplomat, will be the keynote speaker at the GBAC Symposium on Air Considerations, August 16-17, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. The inaugural GBAC Symposium will bring together scientists and industry thought leaders to share innovations and best practices for improving indoor air quality in nonhealthcare settings.
WSF Helps Redefine the Term 'Dog-Friendly'
Willoughby Stainless Fountains (WSF) announced that it has partnered with Wagtown Inc. and SMART Dog Park.
Hydrel Expands SAF Family of Exterior Floodlight Luminaires
Hydrel announced the expansion of its SAF floodlight luminaire family with the introduction of SAF1 and SAF28 luminaires.
Bobcat Company Announces New Minnesota Assembly Plant
Bobcat Company announced plans for a new assembly plant in Rogers, Minn., a northwest suburb of Minneapolis-Saint Paul.
Five Codelocks Locks Achieve UL Fire-Rated Certification
Codelocks Inc. announced it has achieved UL 10C certification and three-hour fire rating for selected models within its mechanical, electronic and smart lock ranges.
WhiteWater's Vantage Announces New President: Attractions Technology Leader
Vantage Technology Ltd., part of WhiteWater's family of companies, helps venues unify their systems around their guests and enables seamless, personalized experiences that drive rave reviews.
Mean Green Launches Professional-Grade Electric Mower
Mean Green announced the availability of the new Mean Green NEMESIS electric mower, designed for people who want a professional-grade mower but do not require go-allday battery power.
Yanmar Launches Website Dedicated to Compact Equipment
Yanmar Compact Equipment North America launched a state-of-the-art website dedicated to its lines of compact equipment.
Stop Rust Spots on Athletic Courts With Wipe-Out Stain Blocker From ICP
Wipe-Out Stain Blocker--the newest California Sports Surfaces brand offering--is calling a timeout on dingy brown spots that can develop over time on tennis, basketball and other outdoor and indoor athletic playing surfaces.
Bobcat Introduces All-New TL723, TL923 Telehandlers
A go-to favorite for agriculture, construction, landscaping, snow removal and many other applications, the all new TL723 and TL923 telehandlers from Bobcat give operators the flexibility to accomplish a variety of demanding tasks with superior precision and performance.
Legendary Fitness Miami Builds Legends Using Fitbench
In its quest to enable its members to build the stamina to overcome any obstacle and ultimately reach their goals, Legendary Fitness Miami has had to conquer its own challenges.
SuperGrit Safety Treads Enhance Stairwell Footing
Wooster Products presents SuperGrit two-stage safety stair nosings and treads, which provide superior traction on interior or exterior stairs.
Colorado Time Systems Renews Partnership With U.S. Masters Swimming
Colorado Time Systems, a PlayCore company, announced the partnership renewal with U.S. Masters Swimming through 2025.
DecoTurf Returns as Surface of Choice for Minto U.S. Open Pickleball Championships
DecoTurf, a California Sports Surfaces brand, has once again been chosen as the surface of the Minto US Open Pickleball Championships in Naples, Florida.
Draper Introduces Next-Generation Gym Control Systems
The modern gymnasium is designed around multiple uses and simultaneous activities. Draper is introducing the next generation of gymnasium equipment control systems to meet those demands.
Aqua-Leisure Recreation Acquires INYO Pool Products
Aqua-Leisure Recreation LLC announced the acquisition of Longwood, Fla.-based INYO Pool Products LLC.
Scepter Celebrates Sports Facilities Maintenance Crews During Turf Pros Week
Scepter has designated the week of April 17-24 to be Turf Pros Week in recognition of the hardworking professionals who keep the facilities where we play and watch sports in tip-top shape.
Ecore Donates Flooring to Lionheart Youth Training Facility
Ecore continues to make good on its mission to make people's lives better through its most recent donation of 2,000 square feet of performance flooring to Lancaster, Pa.-based Lionheart Training, a youth facility that provides physical conditioning and athletic training to inner-city children aged 6-12.
Putterman Athletics Welcomes Industry Veteran
Putterman Athletics announced the hiring of Randy Futty to its staff as executive vice president of business development.
WhiteWater Announces Partnership With Swim Drink Fish
On World Water Day 2022, WhiteWater, the world's largest waterpark manufacturer, announced a partnership with Swim Drink Fish, a Canadian charity advocating for safe, healthy water.
Impact Parks Launches Nationwide
IMPACT Parks, a PlayCore Collaborative based in Chattanooga, Tenn., aims to connect funding partners with communities to build outdoor spaces that demonstrate measurable impact on health and wellness.
Bobcat Company Unveils Enhance Attachments
For operators looking to make quick, efficient work in tough land management applications, Bobcat has launched two new Brushcat rotary cutter attachments and a full line of redesigned loader drum mulchers.
Technogym Sport & Performance Summit Examines the Role of Power in Sport
Technogym, leading brand in fitness and wellness products, services and digital technologies, announced the Technogym Sport & Performance Summit - The Role of Power in Sport to be held on April 1st at the Technogym Village in Cesena, Italy.
SiteOne Partners With Arborgold Software
SiteOne Landscape Supply added Arborgold Software to its business management software solutions for landscaping customers.
Luminis Expands Bellevue Family of Exterior Luminaires
Luminis, an established manufacturer of specification-grade lighting solutions for commercial, institutional, retail and urban environments, announced the expansion of its Bellevue luminaire family.
Natare Corp. Becomes Employee-Owned
After 50 years in business, Natare Corp. has become an employee-owned company. The change took effect in January 2022.
AGS Mini Golf Course is Popular Attraction at St. Louis Adventure Park
What do you do to complement a four-story outdoor Aerial Adventure Tower with 110 unique elements ranging from an easy sky-bound walk to full-fledged daredevil obstacles? For Ryze Adventure Park in Maryland Heights, Mo., the answer was to have Adventure Golf & Sports (AGS) design and install an 18-hole ADA compliant Modular Advantage miniature golf course!
Doosan Bobcat Announces Expansion of Aftermarket Parts Distribution Network
Doosan Bobcat North America, a global leader in the compact equipment industry, announced plans to further expand its aftermarket parts distribution network with the addition of two new regional parts distribution centers.
Waterplay Announces Partnership With Life Floor
Global aquatic play manufacturer, Waterplay, and Life Floor, leading aquatic surfacing manufacturer, are partnering up to bring outstanding aquatic splash pad experiences to the global market--complete with splash features, structures and playful surfacing.
Survey Reveals 5 Ways COVID Changed Impressions of Public Restrooms
Upon entering the third year of the pandemic, Americans are not only more sensitive to germs in public restrooms, they now hold higher standards for the cleanliness, condition and technology used in these shared spaces, according to the annual Healthy Handwashing Survey from Bradley Corp.
Waterplay Launches New Brand, Alongside MAKR Group
Continuing strong growth in the splash pad market globally, Waterplay aligns its brand and products alongside the newly formed MAKR Group; parent company to Waterplay, as well as Parkworks, Western Canada's leading park supplier, and Wekid Mfg, a smart factory specializing in stainless steel.
NuCalm Provides New Profit & Satisfaction Center for Gyms & Spas
Today, owners and managers of health spas, gyms, recovery centers and fitness studios across the world are finding unique offerings to attract new members and retain current ones.
Covermaster Wins Innovation Award for Tarpmate Air Roller
The Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) has named COVERMASTER as one of only three recipients of the 2022 Innovation Awards Program.
Level Up Your Flag Display With Draper
You can make every presentation of the flag special year-round.
Matrix Fitness Relaunches Digital Solutions
Matrix Fitness reintroduced two-member engagement products in its Connected Solutions portfolio.
Kubota Tractor Corp. Celebrates 50 Years in the U.S.
Kubota Tractor Corporation is celebrating a milestone anniversary – 50 years of powering and empowering the American dream – by giving back in a big way through the launch of its second annual Kubota Hometown Proud grant program, a community grant program for cities, counties and nonprofit organizations.
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