Government News

The forecast shows sunny days ahead in parks and recreation. A majority of parks agencies expect increased revenues and a rise in use of facilities in 2025. While the pandemic-era clouds have parted, changes in human habits, technology, climate and other areas will keep the overseers of public parks and recreational areas and programs on their toes in the year ahead. Here are five parks and rec trends to watch in 2025.

Splash pads make waves
More than 30% of parks and recreation agencies said their department planned to add splash play areas in 2024. As the most popular planned addition of the year, expect this trend to continue in 2025—especially as record-breaking heat continues. With the 2020s seeing a higher frequency, duration and intensity of heat waves, the public will continue to crave relief. And splash pads or similar play areas are a popular attraction for families.

Celebrate the opening of splash pad season—or the first scorching day—by offering a swim towel to the first 10 guests. Hold a weekly drawing for a bucket hat for anyone who posts a tagged photo at your municipality’s splash pad.

Dog parks lead the pack
Besides splash pads, dog parks were expected to be the most popular new additions to parks this year. With dog ownership surging during the pandemic, giving preference to pooches is a smart move. More than 44% of American households now have a dog. Expect the popularity of and demand for dog parks to roll over into 2025.

Offer promotional items, like pet bag dispensers or dog bone magnets, to residents who sign up for your department’s newsletter or follow its social media pages. Imprint dog park hours or include a QR code to direct users to information about rules and expectations for the park.

Pickleball remains powerful
Pickleball participation has increased 223% in the past three years. In 2023, the Sports & Fitness Industry Association® proclaimed pickleball as the fastest-growing sport in America. The only question now is how hot this trend can remain year after year. Forecasts call for continued growth through 2028, so expect the volleys to continue.

If your department runs a pickleball league, give pickleball keychains as small thank-yous for participants. Encourage others to give the game a try by offering pickleball sets as raffle prizes at community festivals, fundraisers and other events.  

Artificial intelligence evolves
While artificial intelligence (AI) might not yet be impacting local government operations, it appears primed to do so in the future. As technology advances, it’s likely to become a viable option for customer service, including phone calls, online chats and other information delivery services. It may also be a tool for summarizing meetings, speech writing, report preparation, security surveillance, energy planning and much more. Like other governmental operations, there’s no doubt AI will someday be part of the parks and rec industry.

Walking steps back
From 2019 to 2022, the number of annual average daily walking trips dropped 36%. (In this instance, a walking trip is defined as any trip taken by foot of more than 250 meters.) Some are speculating that walking is evolving into solely a recreational activity, meaning those in recreation may want to consider ways to get residents moving in parks, on trails and at other available spaces.

Start a weekly walking club. Each session can include a walk to a park, nature area or favorite coffee or smoothie shop. The program can emphasize the social benefits on top of the fitness aspect. Welcome newcomers with an informative pedometer. When somebody accomplishes their walking goal, offer a fanny pack.

Be active, be adaptive
Unlike most parks and recreation departments’ attractions and services, trends can come and go in a flash. But taking advantage of opportunities can separate a good department from an exceptional one. In 2025, splash pads, dog parks and pickleball will likely remain hot. And changes in technology and walking habits may present new opportunities. Stay on top of these trends—and watch for what else emerges—to keep goals within reach.