How to run a successful recreation facilities referendum  By Emily GebhardtRecreation centers, public parks and trails, pools, and athletic facilities form the foundation of community wellness and engagement. ...

By Dave HerpyIn today’s dynamic world of parks and recreation, effective leadership is more essential than ever. This field plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life in our communities, yet the challenges facing our te...

A unique outdoor program for adultsBy Leah CarlsonFor over 25 years, Wilderness Awareness School's Immersion program has transformed the lives of adults through an intense, nine-month, nature connection experience. Located ...

A critical way to increase ADA complianceBy VernaAnn KotanskyInclusive playgrounds give all children an opportunity to enjoy one of the most essential parts of childhood—play. Unfortunately, many accessible playgro...

Planning for and mitigating noise issuesBy Brandon KunkelWhether you love pickleball for its energetic, fast pace or hate it for the constant rhythmic, popping noise of the plastic ball, its status as one of the fa...

Palm Coast’s Southern Recreation Center sets a new standard for sustainable sports designBy Sam ElsheikhNestled within a 63-acre campus adjacent to the Palm Coast Tennis Center, the City of Palm Coast’s new Souther...

The entrepreneurial-planning approach By Howard Kozloff and Ben DonskyPublic parks are often caught between providing accessible amenities and programs for the community and finding ways to generate revenue fo...

How trails are essential to climate resilienceBy Clement LauAs climate change intensifies, communities around the globe face unprece...

Collaborating with local land trusts helps park departments and camps protect and connect properties for public useBy Brianne SanchezAcross the country, partnerships with local land trusts facilitate projects with ...

Preserving the history of your camp or park can be a vital channel to integrate alumni into your program’s future and attract future participants. Author Dan Shortridge, who wrote the book about his local camp’s history, will share nearly 20 fr...

In this session,  Courtney Gallagher, EP Climbing will share how climbing boulders and wall systems support community engagement and wellness across different types of park projects. We will walk through design considerations, accessibilit...

Julie Knapp, Clinical Assistant Professor and Internship Coordinator at Indiana University-Bloomington, explores strategies for designing the ideal internship program.  The presentation will highlight effective intern recruitment, t...

In this inspiring and practical session, Dave Herpy, Extension Organizational Development Coordinator for NC State Extension, will share actionable strategies for purpose-driven leadership in the parks and recreation field. Drawing from over tw...

ParkFest 2025 -- taking place October 28-30 - is the parks and rec industry's best virtual event. Free education. Free CEUs. And, lots of fun. To register you or your team, visit

How the GEO Foundation makes the game of golf more sustainableBy Hal PhillipsEvery time folks think they’ve wrapped their heads around the scope of transformation here at municipally owned Corica Park Golf Course (...

Why Spikeball belongs in every summer camp’s programmingBy Andrew LuftgalssAny leader who has spent time around a playground, beach, or park has likely seen a circle of kids gathered around a small, trampoline-like...

Taking the lead with insurance for camps and campersBy Mark CeslowitzOperating a camp means creating memorable, often life-shaping experiences for kids. Underlying these opportunities for fun, adventure, and education, howe...

How inclusive playgrounds are transforming communitiesBy Chad KennedyAccording to the Centers for Disease Control, more than one in four people lives with disabilities. Yet many playgrounds and recreational spaces ...

How West Chicago Park District created an indoor jungle adventureBy Ashleigh TorbertWhen the West Chicago Park District opened the ARC Center in 2014, the goal was simple yet ambitious: to bring all the city’s recr...

How to launch an inclusive learn-to-ride bike campBy Andrew LuftglassFor many people, learning to ride a bike is a rite of passage. It’s a skill that gives them freedom and opens up the world to exploration and independence. For i...

Trends for the community waterpark By Josh MartinAs the popularity of waterparks continues to rise, local governments and municipalities have sought ways to bring the waterpark experience to their local...

Envisioning enriching and dynamic water play sitesBy Chelsea Hoffman and Max D'AurizioWater is inherently fascinating—children (and adults) are instinctively drawn to it. It’s a natural focal point for communal pla...

How splash pads can provide inclusive fun for allBy Ariel MansholtWhen the summer sun blazes, many families flock to splash pads to beat the heat. These play spaces can be a refreshing escape for children and careg...

Winona Lake Limitless Park is a model for inclusive play By Jessica DoomsWinona Lake Limitless Park is more than a playground—it’s a space where people of all ages and abilities can come together to play, conn...

Glass trends that blend sophistication and structural integrityBy Mike Mendoza Glass is more than just a material—it's a statement of modern elegance and innovation. Commonly used to enhance the decorative app...