Recreation/Senior Center and Aquatic Center Expansion Task Force Agenda and Packet 2016 05 25 SUB

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Growing up between the late 1980s and 1990s, Millennials were surrounded by rapidly changing technology. Eighty -one percent of Millennials now participate on social networking sites, utilizing these sites to meet new friends, find communities of similar- minded people, and support the causes that they believe in.5 Community is essential to Millennials; urban hubs are sought out for their ample place- making activities, public spaces, festivals, public art, education opportunities, and transportation options. Connectivity is extremely important to Millennials, who are using alternative modes of transportation more than any other generation. By utilizing trails to connect key places, recreation departments can help make Millennials feel more connected to their city. Youth Emily Sheffield, author of the article, "Five Trends Shaping Tomorrow Today," identified that one of the five trends shaping the future is the proportion of youth is smaller than in the past, however just as important. As of the 2010 Census, the age group under age 18 forms about a quarter of the U.S. population. Programming One of the most common concerns in the recreation industry is creating innovative programming to draw participants into facilities and services. Once in, participants recognize that the benefits are endless. According to Recreation Management's 2015 State of the Industry Report,6 the most common programs offered by parks and recreation survey respondents include: • Holiday events and other special events (79.6 %) • Youth sports teams (68.9 %) • Day camps and summer camps (64.2 %) • Educational programs (63.8 %) • Adult sports teams (63.4 %) • Arts and crafts (61.6 %) • Programs for active older adults (56.2 %) • Fitness programs (55 %) • Sports tournaments and races (55 %) • Sport training such as golf or tennis instruction (53.8 %) Another yearly survey by the American College of Sports Medicine indicates the top 20 fitness trends.' The survey ranks senior fitness programs eighth among most popular fitness trends for 2015. Whether it's SilverSneakers, a freestyle low- impact cardio class, or water aerobics, more and more people are realizing the many benefits of staying active throughout life. According to the National Sporting Goods Association, popular senior programming trends also include hiking, birding, and swimming. 5The Council of Economic Advisers. 15 ECONOMIC FACTS ABOUT MILLENNIALS. Executive Office of the President of the United States. 2014. 6 Emily Tipping, "2015 State of the Industry Report, Trends in Parks and Recreation," Recreation Management, June 2015. "Survey Predicts Top 20 Fitness Trends for 2015 ", American College of Sports Medicine, http: / /www.acsm.org/a bout -acsm /media- room /news -rel eases /2014/10/24/su rvey -pred icts- top -20- fitness- trends- for -2015, accessed January 2015. City of Louisville, Colorado