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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. Indoor / Outdoor Facilities
Structure
Indoor / Outdoor Facilities

7. 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.

8. 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)

9. 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.

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

11. 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)

12. 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)

13. 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)

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

15. 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

16. 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)

17. 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.

18. 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

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. 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)

22. 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)

23. 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

24. 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)

25. 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

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

27. 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.

28. 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)

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

30. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

36. Outdoor Characteristics
Support Systems
Convenience

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

38. 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?