Sports Fields: Play Up Social Opportunities

Use shade to increase use of sports facilitiesBy Mary Helen SprecherOne of the great advantages of sports is they bring people together. Let’s face it—it’s just plain fun to catch up with friends, whether watching kids in Little League or finishing a great game of pickleball or tennis and wanting to unwind and talk.In other words, the social experience is its own part of the game. If your park regularly hosts sports (for adults or youth), one of the best ways to drive engagement is to play up the enjoyable aspects of the experience. Now, ask yourself: Are your sports facilities doing the same thing? If you haven’t carved out space for people to sit and enjoy sports in progress, the facilities aren’t quite as welcoming as they can be. Here are a few ideas to up the fun factor and bring in the people.