The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has officially released the fifth edition of the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC), providing updated guidance for enhancing safety in aquatic facilities. This comprehensive resource is designed to promote safer and healthier experiences at aquatic venues across the country.  

YMCA of the USA has announced an enhanced relaunch of the Character Development Learning Initiative (CDLI+), an innovative character-nurturing program focused on building positive character traits in young people across the nation. 

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) joined its public partners to announce $122.5 million in grants through the America’s Ecosystem Restoration Initiative: America the Beautiful Challenge (ATBC). 

The latest economic data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) measures the outdoor recreation economy for the U.S. at $1.2 trillion, confirming the industry’s crucial role in fostering economic growth, innovation and job creation. 

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America for the third year in a row, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s Topline Participation Report, which shows an incredible 223.5% rise in participation in the sport over the past three years, with every age group seeing increased participation. 

Demonstrating broad, bipartisan support for the environment and bolstering community resilience to address a changing climate, voters in 2024 approved more than $16 billion in funding measures for parks, climate resilience and land conservation, according to Trust for Public Land. 

Together Outdoors announced two recipients for its Inclusive Micro-Grant Program, Color My Outdoors and Rising Routes. 

A total of $2.8 million in grants from the Arts in California Parks Local Parks Grant Program will fund 31 local nonprofits, community organizations and artists.

Technology dominates the top trends for 2025 according to the American College of Sports Medicine. Wearable technology, mobile exercise apps and data-driven technology all appear in the top 10 of the 2025 ACSM Worldwide Fitness Trends, published in the November/December issue of ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal, and based on an annual survey of 2,000 clinicians, researchers and practitioners in the fitness industry. 

On Oct. 10, communities across the U.S. celebrated National Walk to a Park Day, which recognizes the vital role of parks and aims to bring attention to disparities in park access.