The inaugural cohort of communities chosen to participate in Rails to Trails Conservancy’s TrailNation Accelerator have been announced. 

A three-year $400,000 grant from Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies will support the American Camp Association’s launch of a national initiative designed to equip camps with tools, training and support necessary to respond to climate-related challenges. 

While emphasizing that trends don’t just suddenly appear on the scene, but rather begin dominating conversations around fitness and wellness, the American Council on Exercise has released its 10 Fitness Trends in 2026. 

Americans are planning to spend $60 billion in 2026 in support of their health, fitness and exercise goals, according to a new nationwide survey from the Health & Fitness Association (HFA). 

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has released its 2025 Engagement With Parks Report, highlighting continuing high visitation numbers that demonstrate the importance of local parks and recreation in the lives of U.S. citizens. 

The national resource office for more than 2,600 YMCAs across the country, YMCA of the USA has kicked off a year-long celebration of its 175th anniversary. 

Trust for Public Land (TPL) released a map showcasing successful conservation projects across the country, as well as ongoing initiatives that are still seeking federal funding through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). 

Parks, schools and community organizations in 16 cities and towns across the U.S. will receive more than $3 million in grants to develop or refurbish neighborhood football fields.

U.S. Representatives Nikema Williams of Georgia and Don Bacon of Nebraska introduced the Prioritizing Lifestyle and Activity for Youth (PLAY) Act, which aims to create a federal task force to improve coordination among agencies responsible for youth and community recreation infrastructure.

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has published its 20th annual Worldwide Fitness Trends forecast for 2026, with the No. 1 trend being Wearable Technology.