Recreation infrastructure can vary widely in its function/its use, the communities it serves, its costs, and its environmental impacts. Community input and environmental context will shed light on which types of public sports infrastructure are a wise investment. A desert community with a tight water budget may think twice before installing natural grass golf courses and soccer fields, and a neighborhood of retirees may get more use from a bocce ball court than a skate park. The same is true of outdoor recreation infrastructure and trails. A primary benefit of a thoughtfully designed trail system is that it augments both a community’s recreation and transportation infrastructure at once. Residents may walk to work on the same trail they use to reach the local disc golf course and visitors may be able to hike a trail from their hotel to a scenic overlook and a historic site. By capitalizing on the travel inherent in many recreational activities and seeking ways to connect popular destinations, GNARs can maximize the value of community recreation infrastructure.

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Outdoor Recreation & Tourism Management Toolkit Pages