With extreme temps becoming the norm, cities and builders find ways to adaptBy Karen FischerFor the past few summers, new heat records were set almost daily, across the country. The phenomenon suggests no single ...

The hardest worker in parks and rec…except for youBy Mary Helen SprecherWith the exception of parks and recreation staff, is there anything in the sector that works harder than the gym? After all, it might host e...

With caution and care, change can lead to unexpected resultsBy Ron CiancuttiThe Board of Commissioners noticed a pattern. Of the many commodities and services our park system engaged (e.g., office supplies, aggreg...

Defining and designing resilient recreation structuresBy Tony BouquotThe Michelle and Barack Obama Sports Complex (also known as the Obama Sports Complex) at Rancho Cienega Park is owned by the City of Los Angele...

The inclusive magic of Toms River’s Field of DreamsBy Nikki KellyThe RWJBH Field of Dreams, in Toms River, N.J., is more than a playground—it’s a groundbreaking example of

Stepping up to help young athletesBy John EnghMental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, yet it's often overlooked in youth sports, which can lead to devastating consequences. 

What is a playground’s role in connecting kids to nature?By Hannah SeoIn 1930s Denmark, landscape architect Carl Theodor Sørensen had an epiphany. Playgrounds in urban settings, with their uniform, predictable st...

Creating a camp business plan for long-term success By Jason SchaitzA formal business plan helps directors run a camp, serving as a guide through each stage of operation management. The plan provides the structur...

Pioneering the future of inclusive recreationBy Adam Arndt Moss Universal Park is a revolutionary, innovative project designed to create a universally inclusive recreational space. Scheduled to break ground in sp...

Consider these sports to refresh your camp recreation lineupBy Mary Helen SprecherWhen campers are ready to return, directors and counselors are tasked with keep...

Inside the grand opening of the Jackson Recreation Center's new climbing gymBy Amberley RansomAfter a decade-long absence, indoor climbing has returned with the grand opening of the new climbing gym at the Teton ...

How Instantpadel paved the way for the racket club of America’s futureBy Christoffer GranfeltAs the Founder of Instantpadel, core parts of my DNA include innovation, a progressive outlook, and an ability to consi...

Preparing buildings for the winterBy Eric SpacekThough the coldest months haven’t yet arrived in many states, it’s important to prepare facilities for winter weather. When park leaders hear other organizations co...

Oregon’s Spirit of Halloweentown capitalizes on the iconic 1998 movieBy Melissa HartMost of us celebrate Halloween on a single night. But in the small waterfront town of St. Helens, Ore.—27 miles north of ...

Tips, insights, and impact from Open Space Arts’ May Flower ShowBy I.E. LuckyOpen Space Arts’ May Flower Show has become a highly anticipated event, drawing visitors from all corners of Prince William County, Va....

Transforming a crumbling monument into a community theatreBy John JacksonFirst open to the public in 1899, Riverside Park was once the crown jewel of Indianapolis’ parks and boulevards system. Its modern footprin...

Austin’s Mueller development integrates greenspace and a skate park to create a one-of-a-kind neighborhood amenityBy Drew Carman and Amy WestermeyerAccess to greenspace is a defining feature of the Mueller develo...

The future of aquatic-center designBy Jody SergiWhile swim meet and water polo athletes focus on agility, speed, and performance, they rarely pay attention to the pool in which they compete. After all, they know it will a...

How waterblasting is changing the surface-preparation marketBy Jordan KosterSandblasting and waterblasting both stem from naturally occurring processes. Both types of erosion existed long before humans harnessed the power...

Extending courtesy to those who need it mostBy Ron CiancuttiDoctors agreed that, after President Ronald Reagan survived a 1981 assassination attempt, his memory was diminished. (Years later, he was formally diagnosed with...

Award-winning nature park’s holistic approach to building shade structures inspires other communitiesBy Sarah YantFrom wildlife-viewing blinds to pergolas, shade structures in parks are essential features that not ...

A pioneering venture leads to Joya, a unique glow-in-the-dark playgroundBy Michael MashburnSignificant decisions often gravitate toward the familiar, the status quo, or the absence of alternatives. Cities find th...

Tips to ensure camps are properly protected for every scenarioBy Tracy SchmeltzerAs a camp manager or director, participating in timely training is important not ...

How to incorporate the new Olympic lacrosse format into park playBy Mary Helen SprecherLacrosse is ready for its close-up.But that close-up won’t come until 2028, when lacrosse will be featured as a showcase sport...

Applying the principle of reconciliationBy Christopher ThurberAugust 6, 1980, was my first day at overnight camp. The day began with homesick tears and almost ended in gloomy ones. My cabin had just lost a close te...