Learning the Basics of Recreation Facilities chapter 3 Learning the Basics of Recreation Facilities

Structures All recreation facilities are known as structures. There is a differentiation between areas that are composed of natural environments—including mountains, lakes, streams, and forests—and planned, constructed structures.

Indoor Structures Recreation structures that are easily defined as indoor facilities include: Sport arenas Gymnasiums Community recreation centers Dance studios Museums Bowling alleys Swimming pools Resorts and hotels

Outdoor Structures Outdoor recreation facilities often have similar structural requirements to indoor facilities and can include: Recreational sport complexes Outdoor pools Tennis courts Golf courses Playground Stadiums Parks Beaches, and Ski resorts

Unique Facility Designs No two recreation facilities are exactly alike. Design reflects the influence of factors such as the core product, architectural interests, environmental considerations, efficiency needs, and legal requirements. The personalities, attitudes, and interests of owners can be reflected in the design as well.

Indoor / Outdoor Facilities Structure Indoor / Outdoor Facilities

Product Influence All recreation facilities are built with the delivery of a specific product in mind that involves human creativity and initiative while managing resources efficiently.

Facility Purpose A single-purpose facility typically has only one product that is developed and delivered. The administrative and delivery operations may be less complicated because of the single purpose of the product being delivered. (continued)

Facility Purpose (continued) Multipurpose facilities incorporate two or more products. Multipurpose facilities may create more complicated management responsibilities because of the diverse applications and requirements of the products being offered.

Product Influence Purpose / Function Multi-purpose Single-purpose Large audience

Public Recreation Facilities The basic philosophy behind public recreation facilities is to create a service-oriented operation to meet the needs of the citizens who pay taxes for the operation and construction of the facility. (continued)

Public Recreation Facilities (continued) Examples of public recreation facilities include: Sport complexes of park and recreation agencies Community centers Swimming pools Beaches Public tennis courts. Funding options to support these types of facilities vary based on the type of facility and the politics involved. (continued)

Private Recreation Facilities Private facilities rely on the income generated from the product for facility construction and management expenses. Without adequate income, privately managed recreation facilities could not remain open. (continued)

Private Recreation Facilities (continued) Some examples of private recreation facilities include: Private golf course Fitness centers Sport complexes Hotels, resorts Marinas

Developmental Stages In order for a recreation facility to come into existence, a number of developmental stages must occur. These stages include: Assessment Planning Design Construction Management

Indoor Recreation Facility Characteristics All recreation facilities have to be located in a specific place. That location or site receives a great deal of attention as to how it will contribute to the successful delivery of the product. The makeup of the area can have a significant influence on the facility and its development. (continued)

Indoor Recreation Facility Characteristics (continued) Typical site issues include natural barriers such as rock formations, drainage areas, weather conditions, and prevailing winds. Issues of site coordination also include the proximity of roads, utilities, and natural energy sources in addition to the proximity of other facilities and product competition.

Indoor Characteristics Site Topography – the lay of the land (flat, hilly, or mountainous). Location – in relation to where it is in a particular area of a community

Indoor Recreation Facility Characteristics – Production Space The production space and its characteristics are vital to the success of a recreation facility. Recreation facilities are developed with the product in mind, and specific areas are designed to enhance the production process.

Indoor Recreation Facility Characteristics – Main Areas Space that is necessary for developing and delivering the core product is called the main area. Specific sizes, dimensions, and a variety of technical considerations should be considered when it comes to the design of primary product delivery areas. For example, sport fields or courts have dimension standards that must be followed to create an appropriate area for the delivery of the core product.

Indoor Recreation Facility Characteristics There are a variety of elements to be considered when planning indoor recreation facilities. They include: Surfaces Illumination Electrical Systems Plumbing Finishes Acoustics (continued)

Indoor Recreation Facility Characteristics (continued) There are a variety of elements to be considered when planning indoor recreation facilities. They include: Climate Control Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (continued)

Indoor Recreation Facility Characteristics (continued) There are a variety of elements to be considered when planning indoor recreation facilities. They include: Utilities Electricity Sanitation Water Communication

Indoor Recreation Facility – Structural Issues One of the most notable aspects of any indoor recreation facility is its exterior or structural appearance. The structural appearance may be designed to help market the product, meet owner or administrative wishes, or create a level of attractiveness that makes a statement to potential users. (continued)

Indoor Recreation Facility – Structural Issues (continued) There are a number of elements that impact the appearance and functionality of a facility. They include: Landscaping Irrigation Vehicle Access Walkways Parking

Structure General Make-up Landscaping trees shrubs lawn flowers walkways Landscaping trees

Outdoor Recreation Facility Characteristics Outdoor recreation areas can be simple or complex. Outdoor facilities include nature parks, sport complexes, waterfronts, water parks, amusement parks, golf courses, skate parks, ski resorts, lakes, and other areas.

Outdoor Recreation Facility Characteristics Outdoor recreation areas should consider the following factors: Size of the space based on core product needs. Topography Land Surrounding vegetation Water and storm water Climate Production space (continued)

Outdoor Recreation Facility Characteristics (continued) Outdoor recreation areas should consider the following factors: Layout Orientation Drainage Barriers and fences Landscape Surfaces Access (continued)

Production Space Outdoor Characteristics Layout: how different spaces or areas are designed to work together or relate to one another in overall scheme of the facility.

Outdoor Characteristics Production Space Surfaces: Land surface of the production process  different options one of the most significant considerations

Outdoor Characteristics Production Space Orientation: The angle of the sun and prevailing wind direction effects product delivery.

Outdoor Recreation Facility Characteristics (continued) Outdoor recreation areas should consider the following factors: Utilities Lighting Irrigation Conveniences Seating

Outdoor Characteristics … significant role impacting safety, product quality and maintenance. Support Systems Utilities:

Outdoor Characteristics Support Systems Lighting: can be very elaborate  spectator viewing, special level of lighting for television, security lighting…

Outdoor Characteristics Support Systems Convenience

Outdoor Characteristics Support Systems Seating: …the ability for users activity can vary with each facility

Assignment Give an example of a “natural environment” facility. What are the developmental stages for facilities? List some site issues that might effect the construction of an indoor facility. List some factors that might effect the construction of an outdoor facility. What does the term “orientation” mean?