As communities across the country grapple with aging infrastructure, rising construction costs, and growing public demand for accessible recreation, parks and recreation departments are evolving into critical investments in public health, youth development, and long-term community vitality. In today’s Ask the Expert, B&D’s Charlotte Roed discusses how communities are rethinking recreation systems, balancing long-term operational challenges, and planning for future growth.
B&D: What are some of the biggest trends you’re seeing in parks and recreation right now?
Charlotte Roed: One of the biggest shifts I’m seeing is that communities no longer view parks and recreation as a discretionary amenity. More cities are recognizing recreation as essential infrastructure that supports public health, youth development, and overall quality of life.
Denver is a really good example of that shift. They’ve invested in outstanding recreation centers that are heavily used and designed around the needs of families and youth. They offer scholarship opportunities and youth-focused programs that give young people structured, positive places to go after school. When communities invest in high-quality recreation assets, people notice.
B&D: What stands out to you about how communities like Denver are approaching recreation planning?
CR: What stands out to me is the mindset. They’re actively asking how they can improve, whether they’re meeting community needs, and who they can benchmark against to better understand best practices. That willingness to continuously evaluate and improve is incredibly important. There’s also a strong focus on accessibility. The goal isn’t just to build great facilities, but to make sure people can actually use them and benefit from the programs being offered. Communities that are intentional about that tend to see stronger long-term engagement.
B&D: What challenges are parks and recreation departments navigating today?
CR: Funding is definitely one of the biggest challenges. Departments are balancing the upfront capital needed to build facilities with the long-term responsibility of operating and maintaining them. What’s changed is that communities are thinking much more strategically about operations from the beginning. They’re evaluating utility costs, maintenance demands, staffing needs, and long-term sustainability before facilities are even built. That’s also where partnerships can play an important role. Community organizations, nonprofits, sports organizations, and volunteer groups can all help support programming and operations once facilities are open.
B&D: As communities look ahead, what do you think will be most important for successful recreation systems?
CR: I think long-term sustainability will be critical. Demand for recreation amenities continues to grow, so communities will likely need greater capital investment moving forward. The challenge will be finding smart, sustainable ways to fund and operate these systems while keeping them accessible to everyone. The communities that will be best positioned for the future are the ones prioritizing thoughtful planning, adaptability, and long-term operational sustainability from the start.
