Operations

Transforming Aquatics Play Spaces

Learn about the advantages of converting kiddie pools to splash pads.

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How to Increase the Efficiency of Pool Filtration

A new option — called electronic flocculation technology — can improve water clarity, minimize backwashes and save water.

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Tailoring Recreation and Aquatic Center Design

The Scheels Aim High Big Sky Aquatic and Recreation Center, located in Great Falls, Montana, opened its doors in the summer of 2024.

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Ensuring Equitable Trail Access

As parks continue to serve as sanctuaries for outdoor recreation, it is encouraging to see park and recreation professionals improving access for visitors with disabilities.

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Creative Field Layouts for More Sports in Less Space

In the course of trying to expand the offerings for hosting sports in a limited amount of space, land-locked communities have seen the rise of some incredibly creative field designs.

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High-Security, Vandal-Proof Structures

One way to combat security concerns is to design a building that structurally reduces the capability of vandals and criminals.

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Clarksville, Indiana, Commits to Inclusivity

The Clarksville Parks and Recreation Department has opened a new ADA-accessible playground funded by a grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and administered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

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Selecting Safe Surfacing

Choosing appropriate surfacing for a playground is a multifaceted decision that balances safety, accessibility, cost and maintenance while meeting ASTM 1292 guidelines.

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Choosing an FRP Bridge Manufacturer

The development of fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) bridges has become a sustainable choice for many of our nation’s parks.

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Hop, Skip, Play: Creating Accessible Play Value at Splash Pads

Learn about the importance of positive experiences around water and the thought that goes into designing welcoming play spaces.

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Healthy Communities, Parks and Splash Pads

As demographics, health and inclusion concerns evolve, aging facilities and new projects must step up to keep communities engaged and active.

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Investing in Shade

As we head into the summer months, parkgoers need shade to find respite from ultraviolet (UV) rays while enjoying the outdoors.

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Enhancing Soil Education

Each soil has unique properties for soil health and plant growth that contribute to a healthy plant or tree.

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Reshaping Recreation to Meet Modern Demands

During the past decade, recreation facility design has evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of the end users.

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A Park for the Future

In Frisco, Texas, the city recognized the ecological value of its 120 acres at Northwest Community Park when planning the space.

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Eco-Friendly, ADA-Compliant Mini Golf Course Delivers Fun for All

A miniature golf course championed for many years by the mayor of the City of Leesville, Louisiana, was installed in 2023.

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The Latest on Synthetic Fields

The synthetic turf market is evolving, but at the same time, turf has come under scrutiny for a variety of reasons. Here are a few answers to questions park officials frequently ask.

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Protecting Dark Skies

We can protect ourselves and the environment and bring back the beauty and splendor of a star-filled night sky by reducing light pollution.

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Pedestrian Bridge Enhances Trail Safety at Rocky Gap State Park

Learn about the different ways Rocky Gap State Park has enhanced its trail safety.

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Redefining Recreation Centers to Address Community Health and Well-Being

The role of community centers now stretches beyond their impact on an individual’s quality of life to include their impact on the sustained health of our communities and our cultures.

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From Condemned Pool to Award-Winning Regional Aquatics Center

Learn how El Centro created a feasibility study and master plan for a new aquatics center that would provide a year-round aquatics experience to Imperial County.

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Playing With Fabric

Examine the value and benefits that come with rigid-frame fabric buildings.

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Expanding Equitable Shoreline Access

Read about the exciting developments in the city of Evanston, Illinois with regards to expanding equitable shoreline access.

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How Inclusive Is Your Playground?

Using the latest research and guidelines, playgrounds can be designed to exceed minimum legal obligations for accessibility and create a unique, inclusive playground experience that enables and empowers all people.

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Cork: The Green Solution for Playgrounds

Combining eco-efficiency and performance, cork is one such product that has tremendous potential in the fields of urban construction, rehabilitation and outdoor areas.

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Ensuring Kayak Launches Are Adaptive and Inclusive

Read about the importance of adaptive kayak launches.

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Fairy Houses and Gnome Homes Enchant Whipple Hill

The Town of Lexington Recreation and Community Programs invited community members to build fairy houses and gnome homes at Whipple Hill.

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Shade Adds Value to Your Park

This article provides a detailed explanation of the different ways that shade can add value to a park.

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Field Maintenance Recovery Practices

Learn about some of the most critical field maintenance recovery practices that will keep natural grass surfaces in great shape.

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Bring Play Equity to Your Community

Consider how strategic investments in recreation facilities may encourage youth sports participation and increase equity and inclusion.

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Revitalizing Iron Horse Park

The story of the revitalization of Iron Horse Park near downtown Tucson, Arizona.

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Choices Matter

Design choices can have a significant impact on the legacy and community aspects of a playground.

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Restoring a Seaside Treasure

The Forest River Outdoor Recreation & Nature Center in Salem, Massachusetts, is a vital source of recreation and education.

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Wichita Takes a Twist on the Old, Making It New

In 2014, Wichita (Kansas) Parks and Recreation began work on development of an aquatics master plan to replace and upgrade pools that were built in the 1950s.

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Creating a Recreation Center That Your Community Genuinely Wants

Learn some of the best ways to ensure you are creating a space that provides the benefits your community is looking for.

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Providing Adaptive and Inclusive Aquatics Services in Your Community

Adaptive and inclusive aquatics services save lives. Where should we begin when providing those services?

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Why Shade Is Vital to Our Health

To minimize the risks of UV exposure, the top recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is to stay in the shade.

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Barriers to Trail Implementation

Learn how to identify and overcome barriers to your trail project.

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A Commitment to Inclusion

City of Parkersburg, West Virginia, expanded City Park Pool to include a splash pad that welcomes children and families of all abilities.

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Shade Revitalizes West End Park

The newly renovated West End Park includes sidewalks and boardwalks for accessibility.

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Embracing a Change in Field Maintenance Practices

South Portland Department of Parks, Recreation and Waterfront reassessed how it maintained its 150-acre recreation facility.

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Considering All Lighting Strategies

Learn why you should look at an alternative measure.

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From Golf Course to Nature Study Area

The vision of the Rosewood Nature Study Area is to establish and steward a publicly accessible Great Basin wetland habitat.

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The Clubhouse: Ardmore's Way to Play

This family entertainment center has served thousands of people, increased tourism to the city and received community gratitude.

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Post-Pandemic Trends in Aquatics

Here are a few trends in aquatics programs that will continue to shape the field.

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Increasing Efficient Communication With Recreation Management Software

Understand how three features included in your software can help you continue connecting with and supporting your community.

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ADA Construction: Best Practices and Lessons Learned

An ADA coordinator provides his firsthand knowledge and insight about ADA standards.

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How to Build a Cost-Effective Gaming Center

As esports continue to grow and evolve, local park districts and communities are learning more and more about ways to engage youth and adult gamers alike.

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Well-Grounded

Here's a guide to choosing the best playground surface.

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How Parks and Recreation Safely Brought Back Aquatics Programming

Find out how City of American Canyon in California’s Napa County was able to reopen its facilities successfully using a three-phase approach.

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