The pandemic closures of 2020 had a dramatic effect on memberships at recreation, sports and fitness facilities across the country.

A majority of respondents to the Aquatic Trends survey said they require someone on their staff to have a pool operations certification, such as the Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) certification.

In 2022, respondents to the Industry Report survey from health clubs were more likely than their counterparts to name marketing and increasing participation, general fitness and wellness, and older adult fitness and wellness as top industry concerns.

While more than half of all respondents to the Industry Report survey said they currently have outdoor courts for sports like tennis and basketball, parks lead the way.

Around one in 10 respondents to the Aquatic Trends survey said in 2022 that they had built a new aquatic facility in the past three years, a similar response to 2021.

According to the Aquatic Trends Report, respondents from Ys were the most likely both to have a lifeguard on duty at all times, and to offer water safety programs.

Nearly half (46.4%) of respondents working for parks and recreation departments and districts who responded to the Industry Report survey said they are currently involved in initiatives to connect people with nature.

In 2022, splash play was the most commonly planned addition for parks and recreation respondents to the Industry Report survey.

Nearly half (44.5%) of respondents to the Industry Report survey in 2022 said that they currently include walking and hiking trails at their facilities.

Some audiences tend to be left out when it comes to learn-to-swim opportunities, with economic as well as racial disparities having a heavy impact on who does and does not learn to swim. The Aquatic Trends Report found that the number of respondents providing outreach programs to these audiences has fallen slightly.