Austin’s Mueller development integrates greenspace and a skate park to create a one-of-a-kind neighborhood amenity

By Drew Carman and Amy Westermeyer

Access to greenspace is a defining feature of the Mueller development, an award-winning urban village constructed on the site of a former municipal airport in Austin, Texas. This is entirely by design.

The future of aquatic-center design

By Jody Sergi

While 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 always be heated to a consistent 81 degrees, fully cleaned, and tested, allowing swimmers to race at their highest level.

How waterblasting is changing the surface-preparation market

By Jordan Koster

Sandblasting and waterblasting both stem from naturally occurring processes. Both types of erosion existed long before humans harnessed the power of sand and water. It wasn’t until the 1870s that the preliminary sandblasting process was developed. Over the last century and a half, sandblasting has been used for sharpening tools, engraving, cleaning, and weathering surfaces. But it wasn’t until the 1970s and 1980s that waterblasting became advanced enough for safe use.

Extending courtesy to those who need it most

By Ron Ciancutti

Doctors agreed that, after President Ronald Reagan survived a 1981 assassination attempt, his memory was diminished. (Years later, he was formally diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.) As his term continued, his staff prepared remarks and speeches that were short and to the point. Though his negotiation and leadership skills were still sharp, his memory sometimes failed him, and the rumor-hungry press seized upon the occasional gaffe to question his fitness to serve.

Award-winning nature park’s holistic approach to building shade structures inspires other communities

By Sarah Yant

From wildlife-viewing blinds to pergolas, shade structures in parks are essential features that not only enhance the visitor experience but also foster environmental awareness and stewardship. Horseshoe Bay Nature Park—an 11-acre greenspace on rolling upland prairie located in a small lakeshore town west of Austin, Texas—exemplifies this cohesion. The process of planning, designing, and building the park’s two shade structures—an observation deck and a bird blind—is a perfect model for other parks to emulate.

A pioneering venture leads to Joya, a unique glow-in-the-dark playground

By Michael Mashburn

Significant decisions often gravitate toward the familiar, the status quo, or the absence of alternatives. Cities find themselves entrenched in convention due to resource limitations, potential community resistance, and the intricate web of politics. Pioneering a new direction can indeed be a daunting endeavor. Yet, paradoxically, our communities rely on us to be trailblazers, to introduce improved services, more efficient systems, and distinctive amenities. So, how does one balance the two sides of the coin that seem to tug in opposite directions?

Tips to ensure camps are properly protected for every scenario

By Tracy Schmeltzer

As a camp manager or director, participating in timely training is important not only to keep skills relevant but also to stay informed about issues impacting the camp industry. One such issue is insurance. How much do directors know about their organization’s insurance policy? What does it cover, and what role do camp leaders play in managing the policy? Even if leaders believe they know a lot about these topics, chances are that more information is needed to run a safer program.

How to incorporate the new Olympic lacrosse format into park play

By Mary Helen Sprecher

Lacrosse is ready for its close-up.

But that close-up won’t come until 2028, when lacrosse will be featured as a showcase sport at the Olympics in Los Angeles. However, that’s actually a good thing because that gives parks (and player camps) an opportunity to get up to speed on the new format: sixes lacrosse, or more simply, sixes.

Applying the principle of reconciliation

By Christopher Thurber

August 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 tennis baseball game to a neighboring cabin. But sadness turned to confusion as my cabin leader and the returning boys on my team chanted an enthusiastic cheer for the winning team. I had no choice but to huddle with the other boys and pretend to know the words.

Coordinating successful youth sports game days

By Jason Schaitz

Game days are the reason kids, parents, and coaches participate in youth sports. Coordinators put all the work into planning, marketing, registration, player evaluations, team formation, orientation, coaches’ meetings, and scheduling. Then, it is finally time to play some games. Below are some tips to help manage all the moving parts.