For Jon Pallone, head baseball coach at Quakertown Community High School in Quakertown, Penn., the umpire shouting “Play ball!” to begin the team’s March 2024 home opener took on special meaning.

By Dan Hanson

A holistic approach to greenspace management

By Nathan Krois

In the midst of burgeoning urbanization and escalating environmental concerns, greenspaces within urban infrastructure have become more significant than ever. As cities expand and evolve, thoughtful consideration of greenspace management is imperative to foster sustainable development and enhance the quality of life for residents.

How cities can harness innovation to give residents equitable experiences

By William Healy

According to the CDC, up to one in four adults in the United States has some form of disability. Yet, when many public recreation facilities and activities were originally established, accessibility wasn’t under consideration.

Strategies to jump-start your next community-recreation master plan

By John Dzarnowski, Dan Nicholas and Daniel Atilano

In today's fast-paced world, accessible and well-designed recreational spaces have become increasingly vital.

A survey conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) found most people agree that local recreational facilities should offer a wide variety of services, such as healthy-living classes, programming for older adults, nature-based activities, arts and crafts opportunities, access to computers and the internet, and inclusive facilities for all abilities and needs.

With extreme temps becoming the norm, cities and builders find ways to adapt

By Karen Fischer

For the past few summers, new heat records were set almost daily, across the country. The phenomenon suggests no single region is more prone to excessive heat than another. Most municipalities in North America are guaranteed to experience an unprecedented heat wave at some point.

The hardest worker in parks and rec…except for you

By Mary Helen Sprecher

With the exception of parks and recreation staff, is there anything in the sector that works harder than the gym? After all, it might host everything from basketball to pickleball to volleyball to futsal—and a lot more.

With caution and care, change can lead to unexpected results

By Ron Ciancutti

The Board of Commissioners noticed a pattern. Of the many commodities and services our park system engaged (e.g., office supplies, aggregate stone, food for zoo animals, etc.), the same awardees were recommended year after year.

Defining and designing resilient recreation structures

By Tony Bouquot

The Michelle and Barack Obama Sports Complex (also known as the Obama Sports Complex) at Rancho Cienega Park is owned by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. It fills an important need in South Los Angeles by providing quality public recreation and fitness amenities for a population of approximately 100,000 people. The complex, completed in 2022, consists of two buildings––a 20,225-square-foot structure that houses an Olympic-size indoor pool and bathhouse, and a 16,232-square-foot gymnasium that accommodates two high school regulation basketball courts, a mezzanine walking track, a fitness annex, a multiuse community room, and staff offices.

The inclusive magic of Toms River’s Field of Dreams

By Nikki Kelly

The RWJBH Field of Dreams, in Toms River, N.J., is more than a playground—it’s a groundbreaking example of modern design, engineering, and community spirit. I recently toured the facility with co-founder Christian Kane and dedicated volunteer Sue Coan, witnessing the impact of this exceptional space firsthand.

Stepping up to help young athletes

By John Engh

Mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, yet it's often overlooked in youth sports, which can lead to devastating consequences.