A changing climate is bringing new animals to public spaces

By Karen Fischer

The end of summer 2024 brought several massive hurricanes to the East Coast, flooding homes, destroying power grids, and costing hundreds of billions in recovery dollars. But across the Southeast, beyond heavier rain, drought, and other changes in climate, there have been more instances in which animals like alligators are spotted outside their historical territories.

How to prevent carbon monoxide leaks in ice rinks

By Laura Wheatman Hill

Though ice skating provides joy, connection, and fitness in many communities, unexpected dangers lurk in rinks. Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is an unfortunate possibility due to a few factors. Fortunately, however, prevention of potentially deadly accidents is possible without major facility upgrades, costs, or labor. 

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.