TO: HONORABLE CHAIR AND COMMISSIONERS OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM: Lea Kolek, Parks and Community Service Manager
PREPARED BY: Lea Kolek, Parks and Community Service Manager
SUBJECT:
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Parks and Recreation Trends - The Next Big Thing
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RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Receive and file staff presentation on Parks and Recreation trends report.
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PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
None
CITY COUNCIL GOAL
Coordinate and deliver responsive, effective community services.
BACKGROUND
Parks and Recreation continues to evolve rapidly as community interests shift and new activities capture the public's imagination. This report provides an overview of emerging trends shaping participation today, setting the foundation for a deeper look at what may follow once the surge in pickleball's popularity begins to level out. The Strategic Plan Milestones/Master Plan Prioritization item later on the agenda further outlines how staff is tracking certain trends and aligning programs, events, and facility planning with the guiding strategies of both the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and the Trails Master Plan.
Big-Picture Parks and Recreation Trends for 2025 and Beyond
* Climate Resilience and Extreme Weather Planning: Agencies are being pushed to plan for more heat, smoke, storms, and flooding, this affects everything from outdoor event timing to shade structures, cooling centers, and pool operations.
* Technology as a Core Tool, Not a Bonus: Departments are leaning into dashboards, AI tools, and data platforms to track participation, communicate with residents, and make plans "actionable from day one" rather than sitting on a shelf.
* Customer-Centric Programming: Agencies are using surveys, registration data, and community engagement tools to quickly pivot programs based on demand and demographics, rather than relying on legacy offerings.
Programming Trends - "The Next Big Thing" Beyond Pickleball
A lot of professionals are asking: what's after pick...
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