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.

Parks, Colleges Have the Most Courts

Industry Report survey respondents from parks were the most likely to have outdoor courts for sports like basketball and tennis, while those from colleges were the most likely to have indoor courts.

Camps, Parks Lead on Green Initiatives

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.

Staffing, Maintenance Are Top Park Concerns

Outside of budgetary issues, parks listed staffing issues and equipment and facility maintenance as the top concerns for their facilities.

Rec Centers, Ys & Parks Most Likely to Host Arts & Crafts

More than half (55.5%) of respondents to the Industry Report survey said they currently offer arts and crafts programs, while 30.5% host performing arts programs.

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.

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.

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.

Parks More Likely Than Others to Add Staff in 2024

Respondents to the Industry Report survey from park districts and departments were slightly more likely than other respondents to indicate that they were planning to add staff in 2024.

Fitness Facilities More Likely to Report Participation Increase

Respondents to the Industry Report survey from health and fitness clubs were more likely than others to report that the number of people using their facilities increased in 2022 and in 2023.

Shelters, Playgrounds, Restrooms Are Most Common Park Amenities

Park shelters, playgrounds and restroom structures were the most common amenities found among park respondents’ facilities, according to the 2024 Industry Report survey results.