Outdoor recreation boom is rewriting park infrastructure priorities
The outdoor recreation boom is rewriting park infrastructure priorities since trail networks are becoming core infrastructure, and parking and access are being rethought. Restrooms and visitor amenities are also getting more attention, and climate resilience is moving up the priority list.
According to the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), in 2025, there was a 5 million participant increase in core outdoor users. In addition, a 7.4% increase in senior and a 5.6% increase in youth participation happened.
There’s an outdoor recreation boom, and this is causing park designers to reconsider priorities.
Are Trail Networks Becoming Core Infrastructure?
The growth in hiking, biking, running, and other outdoor activities is pushing communities to treat trail networks as essential infrastructure rather than optional amenities. As part of strategic planning, parks are:
- Expanding multi-use paths
- Improving trail surfaces
- Adding wayfinding
- Creating connections between neighborhoods, transit stops, greenways, and natural areas
Some are even adding pedestrian bridges with YBC to make the trail networks much more accessible. This shift can make parks more useful for both recreation and everyday mobility.
Parking and Access Are Being Rethought
The impact of outdoor activities has exposed weaknesses in park access infrastructure, especially at popular destinations where parking lots and entrance roads were designed for much smaller crowds. Instead of just adding more parking, planners are exploring:
- Shuttle services
- Improved public transportation connections
- Bicycle parking
- Pedestrian entrances
- Remote parking options
These changes can help parks accommodate higher visitation without allowing vehicle infrastructure to overwhelm natural areas. In some locations, reservation systems or timed entry can help distribute demand during peak periods, too.
Are Restrooms and Visitor Amenities Getting More Attention?
A surge in outdoor recreation also increases the demand for basic amenities, such as:
- Restrooms
- Drinking-water stations
- Picnic areas
- Changing facilities
- Trash collection
- Shaded gathering spaces
Infrastructure upgrades are being designed around durability and maintenance, especially in heavily used areas where facilities experience constant wear. Accessibility is another major consideration, with paths, restrooms, seating, and other amenities needing to serve people with different mobility needs.
Some parks are also incorporating water-saving fixtures, solar power, composting systems, and other sustainable technologies. These investments may receive less attention than headline attractions, but they can have an outsized effect on visitor comfort, sanitation, operating costs, and the long-term usability of public recreation spaces.
Climate Resilience Is Moving Up the Priority List
The uptick in outdoor activity trends is occurring alongside more extreme heat, heavier rainfall, drought, wildfire risk, and other environmental pressures. This makes resilience a bigger part of park infrastructure planning, as facilities need to withstand conditions that older designs may not have anticipated.
Parks may invest in:
- Improved stormwater drainage
- Flood-resistant structures
- Drought-tolerant landscaping
- Wildfire buffers
- Shade structures
- Heat-conscious trail design
Natural infrastructure can also play a role, with wetlands, restored waterways, tree canopies, and permeable surfaces helping manage water while improving the visitor experience.
Outdoor Recreation Needs Rethinking
People are getting more interested in outdoor recreation, but there’s climate change to deal with. This presents challenges for park designers, but with thoughtful changes, they can make areas more accessible and durable.
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