Developing and managing a variety of recreation facilities is the main focus of public agencies in larger communities. The types of facilities that are now being provided by parks and recreation departments have become more diverse, and expensive to acquire, develop and maintain. As a result, establishing a master plan is critical to determining facility development roles, timelines, and priorities.
National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) – NRPA's 2024 Agency Performance Review document has specific information on recreation facilities that are provided by park and recreation agencies nationally.
| Amenities | Percentage of Agencies | Median Number of Residents per Facility (50,000-99,999 pop) |
|---|---|---|
| Recreation Centers | 62% | 39,886 |
| Community Centers | 59% | 52,000 |
| Senior Centers | 40% | 67,190 |
| Amphitheaters | 40% | 59,000 |
| Nature Centers | 34% | 71,360 |
| Aquatic Centers | 30% | 60,824 |
| Permanent and semi-permanent restrooms | 28% | 64,150 |
| Stadiums | 19% | 58,712 |
| Teen Centers | 12% | 53,224 |
| Indoor Ice Rinks | 12% | 68,104 |
| Arenas | 9% | 39,886 |
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