Through hundreds of conversations with parks and recreation professionals and agency leaders nationwide, the RecLess team has developed a broad view of the trends, innovations, and emerging priorities influencing the future of the profession. These insights provide a unique lens into how agencies are evolving to meet changing community needs, enhance user experiences, and create more impactful parks, programs, and public spaces. Tom Norquist will add perspective from his work with PlayCore and the Auburn University Research and Innovation Center, where research, innovation, and industry collaboration help shape new ideas and opportunities for parks and recreation agencies.

Virginia Burt, FCSLA, FASLA, will explore how accessible landscape architecture can move beyond baseline compliance to create outdoor environments where people of all abilities feel welcomed, supported, and able to participate fully. Through a practical, people-centered lens, Virginia will examine how site planning, sensory-rich design, material selection, circulation, and maintenance can work together to foster belonging across parks, playgrounds, public spaces, and community landscapes. This presentation is brought to you in partnership with the Landscape Architecture Foundation.

Sound is one of the most influential yet underutilized elements in public space design. As landscape architects seek to create environments that engage the senses and foster meaningful community experiences, intentional soundscape design offers new opportunities to influence behavior, encourage social interaction, and enhance overall site performance. Drawing from a nationwide observational study of 60 playgrounds and a targeted intervention in a shared educational environment, this session examines measurable outcomes associated with musical installations and sound-based experiences, including increased social interaction, multigenerational engagement, and sustained physical activity. Through research findings and real-world case studies—including applications in inclusive environments serving children with hearing loss—participants will explore how sound functions alongside sight, touch, and movement to shape user experiences. Attendees will gain practical, data-informed strategies for integrating soundscape design into public spaces, creating cohesive, inclusive, and outcome-driven environments that move beyond ad hoc placement toward intentional design.