The U.S. Department of Transportation announced grantees under its inaugural round of funding for the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP), providing nearly $45 million for active transportation networks.

A recent survey and report from the Health & Fitness Association revealed that nearly 100 million Americans have set health and fitness-related resolutions for the new year. Health clubs and fitness facilities are poised to help them meet those goals, but affordability is a concern for many potential members.

Recreation and outdoor organizations across the country are celebrating the U.S. Senate's passage of the EXPLORE Act, which will expand access to outdoor recreation nationwide.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has officially released the fifth edition of the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC), providing updated guidance for enhancing safety in aquatic facilities. This comprehensive resource is designed to promote safer and healthier experiences at aquatic venues across the country.  

YMCA of the USA has announced an enhanced relaunch of the Character Development Learning Initiative (CDLI+), an innovative character-nurturing program focused on building positive character traits in young people across the nation. 

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) joined its public partners to announce $122.5 million in grants through the America’s Ecosystem Restoration Initiative: America the Beautiful Challenge (ATBC). 

The latest economic data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) measures the outdoor recreation economy for the U.S. at $1.2 trillion, confirming the industry’s crucial role in fostering economic growth, innovation and job creation. 

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America for the third year in a row, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s Topline Participation Report, which shows an incredible 223.5% rise in participation in the sport over the past three years, with every age group seeing increased participation. 

Demonstrating broad, bipartisan support for the environment and bolstering community resilience to address a changing climate, voters in 2024 approved more than $16 billion in funding measures for parks, climate resilience and land conservation, according to Trust for Public Land. 

Together Outdoors announced two recipients for its Inclusive Micro-Grant Program, Color My Outdoors and Rising Routes. 

While just over half (52.2%) of all respondents to the 2024 Industry Report survey said they currently have walking and hiking trails, around three-quarters of park respondents (75.4%) and camp respondents (74%) said they currently have walking and hiking trails.

One in four (25%) health club respondents to the 2024 Industry Report survey said they had plans to add programs at their facilities over the next few years, with mind-body balance programs, such as yoga and tai chi, topping the list. 

Nearly three-quarters (74.6%) of park respondents in 2024 said they were planning construction, representing virtually no change from 74.3% in 2023. 

More than six out of 10 (61.5%) respondents to the Aquatic Trends Survey in 2024 said they are familiar with the MAHC, up from 58.3% in 2023. Some 28.1% said they are very familiar with the code, while a third (33.4%) said they are somewhat familiar with the code. Another 38.5% of respondents are unfamiliar with the MAHC. 

Respondents to the Industry Report Survey from parks and Ys were the most likely to report that they had formed partnerships with nonprofit organizations or with corporations or local businesses. 

Respondents to the 2024 Industry Report survey from camps and parks were the most likely to be involved in conservation and green initiatives, as well as programs to help connect people with nature.