From city parks to outdoor adventure programs, recreation is playing a bigger role in how people live, work, and stay healthy. And if you want to help people enjoy it, you might want to consider the field of recreation management. It’s the driving force behind any recreation program, facility, or service, and it’s only growing!
This growth didn’t happen overnight, and it’s not stopping either. In this article, we’ll break down what recreation management is, why it’s growing, and what kinds of careers you can find in this area.
What Is Recreation Management?
Recreation is the activities that people enjoy for fun or relaxation, so recreation management is all about planning, organizing, and leading programs and facilities that do just that. Managers focus on creating safe, enjoyable experiences for people of all ages, abilities, and interests.
If you’ve ever had a rec center in your community or ever played on the local basketball, tennis, or pickleball courts, those are all thanks to recreation management. You can find it at work in local governments, parks, fitness or sports centers, or freelance.
Why Is Recreation Management Growing So Quickly?
More and more people want to get outside and enjoy life. They’re putting more emphasis on their personal wellness and quality of life, especially after the pandemic. National, state, and city parks, gyms, and private recreation are busier than ever, which means more jobs in the field.
Communities are also investing in inclusive or adaptive recreation for people of all ages and abilities, and this field is a huge part of making that possible. With adaptive equipment, new teaching methods, and services for accommodation, recreation management helps make sure that everyone can participate.
The demand for workers in this field is growing to meet these needs in communities and for individuals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be an 8% growth in employment for the next decade, which is much faster than the national average. If you want to get into this field, you’ll have plenty of career opportunities open to you.
What Kinds of Careers Can I Pursue in Recreation Management?
When it comes to recreation management, you have a lot of options for where you want to work and what you want to do. Because the field is growing so rapidly, so is the number of different positions you can choose from.
Here are just a few jobs you might find within recreation management:
- Facilities Manager: Run and manage recreation facilities, whether that be a park, gym, or sports center.
- Aquatics Coordinator: Take care of community pools and water parks, and train new lifeguards.
- Recreation Manager: Plan, direct, and coordinate programs and activities for communities and private companies.
- Recreational Therapists: Help patients in hospitals and nursing homes get out and enjoy recreation.
- Park Naturalists: Take part in historical, natural, or scientific programs in nation, state, or local parks.
- Fitness & Wellness Coordinators: Help people lead healthier lives by managing fitness and wellness programs.
What This Means for You
Recreation management might not be the first career you thought of when you started college, but it can offer you a blend of leadership, community impact, and fun. With so many people and communities that want to get out there and enjoy recreation, you’ll have plenty of opportunities in your career.
If you enjoy working with people, organizing activities, and helping your community, then recreation management can be really rewarding for you. Check out BYU-Idaho’s Recreation Management degree to learn more about the field.
Citations
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Entertainment and Recreation Managers
NAC: What is Adaptive Recreation?
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Entertainment and Recreation Managers Job Outlook
My Next Move: Entertainment & Recreation Managers
My Next Move: Recreational Therapists