Great Facilities, Great Communities Before moving to the St. Louis metro area, I lived in Urbandale, a suburb of Des Moines, Iowa. During a 2023 city election there, 83% of voters rejected a bond referendum to fund the U-Plex, a new rec center.
Building Playgrounds For Heat Waves 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. This article is for Paid-members only
Getting Messy In 1930s Denmark, landscape architect Carl Theodor Sørensen had an epiphany. Playgrounds in urban settings, with their uniform, predictable structures, did nothing to inspire children’s imaginations. This article is for Paid-members only
Indoor Flooring 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. This article is for Paid-members only
Beyond Boundaries 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. This article is for Paid-members only
Built To Last 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. This article is for Paid-members only
Delivering A World First As the Founder of Instantpadel, core parts of my DNA include innovation, a progressive outlook, and an ability to consistently look two steps ahead. This article is for Paid-members only
The Park Of Tomorrow Moss Universal Park is a revolutionary, innovative project designed to create a universally inclusive recreational space. This article is for Paid-members only
Mental Health Matters Mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, yet it's often overlooked in youth sports, which can lead to devastating consequences. This article is for Paid-members only
Taking A Chance The Board of Commissioners noticed a pattern. Of the many commodities and services our park system engaged, the same awardees were recommended year after year. This article is for Paid-members only
Anticipating The Cold Though 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 complaining about frozen pipes and expensive repairs this winter, they’ll be glad they were proactive. This article is for Paid-members only
