Overview of Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management

Parks, recreation and leisure facilities management is a highly specialized field that includes planning, designing, constructing, and managing recreational areas such as parks, trails, community centers, sports fields, natural preserves, and campgrounds. It also involves the maintenance of sports equipment and recreational facilities.

Career Opportunities

A degree in Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management can lead to a number of careers. Professionals who pursue this degree can find employment in local, state, and federal government agencies, in the field of park or landscape architecture, as park or natural resources managers, on technical service teams, as recreation facilities planners or directors, and in private resort and campground operations.

Internship and Co-op Opportunities

Major universities and organizations across the United States offer internship and co-op programs that provide students with the opportunity to gain real-world experience while exploring different career paths. These programs allow students to gain hands-on experience and build professional portfolios. Examples of such programs can be found at the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife; and the United States National Park Service.

Specialized Tracks and Concentrations

Certain universities and programs offer concentrations or specialized tracks within the general curriculum of Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management. Some popular concentrations include: outdoor recreation management, natural resource management, environmental education, tourism management, hospitality management, park and recreation business operations, and theme park management.

Preparation for Graduate School

A degree in Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management provides a strong foundation for students who wish to pursue higher education after graduation. The program exposes students to a diverse array of principles, practices, and techniques related to parks, recreation, and leisure which can serve as a foundation for advanced study within the field. Additionally, the training and field experience gained during a degree program can benefit academically prepared students wishing to pursue a graduate degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources Management, or other related fields.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence

In recent years, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) has been used to increase the efficiency of park and recreation management systems. Through the use of algorithms and data analysis, AI can help identify potential maintenance issues, allocate resources more efficiently, and create predictive models that can identify potential problems before they have the chance to occur. Furthermore, AI can be used to increase the safety and accessibility of parks and recreation facilities by creating recommendations for user-friendly features.

Career Outlook

The career outlook for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Managers is bright and is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade. This growth is attributed to increased demand for recreational and outdoor activities due to the health and wellness trend of the general public. In addition, emerging technologies such as AI and GPS are transforming how parks, trails, and other leisure facilities are managed, creating additional job opportunities.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management:

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, Salary: $39,393

Saint Cloud State University, Salary: $36,965

Minnesota State University-Mankato, Salary: $36,914

Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Salary: $36,232

St. Joseph’s College-Long Island, Salary: $36,149

St. Joseph’s University-New York, Salary: $36,149

University of Northern Colorado, Salary: $35,985

Illinois State University, Salary: $34,835

University of New Hampshire-Main Campus, Salary: $33,992

University of Florida, Salary: $33,795

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management.