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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.