Recent trends in the industry show that waterparks and splash play areas are continuing to round out their family appeal and bring in bigger revenues with longer seasons and larger, faster and showier attractions.

Find out what's new for aquatic facilities as we offer a closer inspection of ideas for facilities that are taking the plunge.

The diversity of fitness programming across the country is on the up tick. In addition to a simple need to be more creative, the trend is driven by a desire to reach out to younger and older age groups-and to keep core clientele interested.

From boxing to yoga and even striptease (yes, you read that right), check out the hottest programming trends tackling the workout realm.

These days, it's simply not enough for recreation facilities and parks to slap a pleasing-colored paint on the walls and call it décor. Facilities need some flare, indoors and out, often carefully reflecting the past and future of the communities they serve. We'll look at some design pointers for adding artwork to public spaces.

There once was a time when rec managers spent their days worrying about manicuring baseball fields, thwarting petty vandalism and maintaining proper chlorine levels.

Now, in the post-Sept. 11 world, they're distracted by terrorism threats, possible pipe bombs and protecting their patrons.

As absurd as it would have seemed a year ago, law-enforcement officials today consider recreation facilities potential terrorism targets. Area parks and pools provide an ideal mark for would-be bombers because of the large number of people they attract.

Be vigilant. Find out how to best protect your facility, staff and patrons in the event of a disaster, natural or manmade. Some tips on making sure your emergency plans are well in place.

Not only can managers pick up 101 new ideas to reward and motivate staff members, but even better, most of these tips are easy and inexpensive. You owe it to your staff to read this.

Turning to technology, find out how a trio of public pools in San Mateo, Calif., adopted new point-of-sale software to dramatically improve efficiency.

While developing comprehensive outdoor programming may be challenging to say the least, you can build a successful program if you know the problem areas in advance and have strategies to overcome them.

The North Jeffco Park and Recreation District officials wanted an ice center that could accommodate several interests, from hockey league play to figure skating lessons and competitions to drop-in recreational skating. Take a visit to the facility they created to custom-fit their community.

Find out how one facility is giving kids baseball practice about as close to the Major Leagues as they can get.

With its noble mission of improving the quality of life for special needs children in the community, the Institute took its philosophy outside, to the playground. Not only is its new playground universally accessible, but it will hopefully serve as a model for other playgrounds around the world.