While much has been written over the years about parks, playgrounds, pools, and athletic fields, very little has been written that addresses the operation of beach and waterfront facilities. These types of facilities not only pose special management considerations, but also involve unique safety and liability issues.
A variety of research through the years has shown that outdoor recreation activities generate the largest number of leisure-based participation rates, and that waterfront resources remain the most desired types of recreation activities. However, with such consumer demand, there are a number of concerns:
General beach design Beach-erosion mitigation methods Water clarity and quality Control of medical and other types of wastes and pollutants Designation of use zones for different types of recreation activities Protection of waterfront wildlife Addressing of risk-management and liability issues.