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.

Synthetic Turf Dominates Sports Field Plans

While nearly twice as many respondents to the Industry Report survey said they had natural turf sports fields as opposed to synthetic turf fields, when it comes to plans for the next few years, they were much more likely to be planning to add synthetic turf.

Health Clubs, Ys, Rec Centers Most Concerned With Youth Fitness

Respondents to the Industry Report Survey in 2024 were less likely to name youth fitness and wellness as a top concern, compared with respondents to the 2020 survey.

Events, Exercise, Education Are Top 3 Programs

When it comes to the various types of programming offered at their facilities, the most common for all respondents to the Industry Report survey are holidays and special events, group exercise programs, and educational programs.

Half of All Respondents Have Fitness Centers

Around one-half (50.5%) of all respondents to the Industry Report survey said they currently have a fitness center, while a little more than one-quarter (27.2%) currently have outdoor fitness trails or outdoor gyms.

Schools Lead on Youth Swim Teams

Respondents to the Aquatic Trends Report from schools and school districts were the most likely to have youth swim teams.

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.

Mind-Body Balance Top Program Planned in 2024 for Health Clubs

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.

Three-Quarters of Parks in 2024 Planning Construction

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

Majority Are Familiar With MAHC

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.

Parks, Ys Most Likely to Partner With Nonprofits, Business

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.