Parks and recreation provides a vast array of programming and opportunities for local residents as well as visitors from afar. Here, we discuss responses to the Industry Report survey from respondents working for parks and recreation districts, departments and facilities.

Aquatic facilities may vary widely—from small resort pools all the way through elaborate aquatic parks and waterpark—but one thing they all have in common is water. In this section of the Industry Report, we talk about the survey responses from professionals working for facilities that include aquatics.

More than 1,100 professionals working in recreation, sports and fitness facilities responded to our extensive survey, telling us about everything from their construction and programming plans to their staffing trends, operational costs and more. Here, we reveal the responses, summing up the latest trends in park, recreation, sports, fitness and aquatic facilities.

Sponsored by Greenfield Outdoor Fitness, Inc.

“Big kids still wanna be kids,” said Albert Aragon, principal of Valencia High School in Los Lunas, N.M. At the Albuquerque-area campus, a new ninja course from Greenfields has been a catalyst to get students active in a way that makes fitness seem a lot like play. 

Technologies, Data Driving Sports Stadium & Arena Design
Driven by the priorities and vision of sports facility owners, operators and fans, architectural designers are creating “smart venues” using the latest in emerging technologies and data.
 

Recreation Center Designs Stay Flexible
Whether they’re perennial requirements or trending requests from the community, recreation centers must stay flexible to meet the needs of their members. A flexible approach to design can help.  
 

Landscapes Reimagined by Multi-Faceted Designers 
There may be disagreement about whether the pandemic is “over,” but it seems everyone still believes in the power of outdoor space where the community can gather, play and celebrate.
 

Design & Program Trends in Outdoor Aquatic Facilities
Outdoor aquatic facilities have become more and more diverse, often featuring more than one body of water, enabling facilities to offer a range of programming to meet the needs of the entire community. 
 

Natatorium Design Focuses on Maximizing Participation 
Natatoriums are increasingly being designed to offer not only opportunities for swim meets and lap swimming, but also water exercise, recreational activities and more. 
 

Designing Support Spaces for Indoor & Outdoor Pools
From lounge areas and concessions to equipment rooms, locker rooms and more, the space around the pool requires just as much careful attention as the pools themselves.