RecReport Research

Featuring tidbits of data pulled from the State of the Industry and Aquatic Trends survey results to expand on the initial reporting and dig deeper into industry trends, this research is published weekly in the RecReport e-newsletter.

Splash Play, Dog Parks Are Top Park Plans

The top five planned additions for park respondents to the 2024 Industry Report survey were splash play areas, dog parks, fitness trails and outdoor fitness equipment, park restroom structures, and walking/hiking trails.

Majority of Parks, Camps Have Trails

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.

Ys, Parks Lead on Youth Sports

Some 57.1% of respondents to the 2024 Industry Report Survey said they currently host youth sports programs at their facilities, while 46% say their facilities are home to adult sports teams. 

Majority of Parks See Increasing Usage

After a major impact on attendance and usage of park facilities in the early phase of the pandemic in 2020, park respondents have seen growing usage since.

Ys, Rec Centers Lead on Swim Lessons for All Ages

A majority of aquatic respondents to the Industry Report survey (79.9%) said they currently offer learn-to-swim programs for children. And nearly six in 10 (58.2%) said they offer swim lessons for adults.

Camps Expect Revenue Growth in 2024

More than seven out of 10 (70.3%) respondents to the Industry Report survey representing camp facilities said they expect their revenues in 2024 to be higher than in 2023.

More Than Two-Thirds Plan Construction

More than two-thirds of respondents to the Industry Report survey in 2024 said they had plans for construction at their facilities over the next several years. 

Health Clubs, Colleges Have Strongest Fitness Focus

While more than half (50.5%) of all respondents to the 2024 Industry Report survey said they had a fitness center at their facilities, respondents from health clubs, colleges and Ys were the most likely to have fitness centers, and likewise to offer fitness programs.

Ys Lead on Water Safety

Nearly six out of 10 (59.1%) respondents to the 2024 Industry Report survey whose facilities include aquatics currently provide water safety programs at their facilities, and 83.3% said there is a lifeguard on duty at all times the facility is open.