When I lived in New York City, I was a member of several upscale fitness clubs, including David Barton Gym and various Equinox locations. These gyms offered top-tier amenities (e.g., eucalyptus-scented towels, luxury grooming products, etc.) and celebrity clientele. And there was a certain exclusivity about the experiences. I was in my early twenties, when where I worked out mattered much more than how. I was willing to accrue a little debt to flaunt a particular status.
But unless I shelled out for personal training services or one of the many possible upgrades, I was only a number. I exchanged niceties with the front-desk attendant, then moved through my routine with my headphones on. That’s what I was paying for—access to the space, but not a sense of belonging to a community.
The older I’ve gotten, the more my criteria have shifted for my workout experience. In addition to spending a little more conservatively, I look for inviting spaces where I want to spend time. I know that the gym is a tool, and it’s just one part of my broader fitness journey, but when I go there, I want to feel welcome, encouraged, and even excited.
I’m part of a trend. Some estimates suggest nearly a quarter of Americans belong to a fitness center. Their reasons for joining may differ, but it’s safe to say that millions of people are searching for something when they sign up—a more active lifestyle, a more social approach to working out, a third place. Third places are those locations beyond home and work where we can make friends and engage in activities we love.
Gyms and boutique fitness studios work hard to craft third-place vibes as part of their value propositions. However, facilities run by parks and recreation agencies and camps already have an upper hand. These spaces are designed with community in mind. The local rec center, the new athletic stadium, the natatorium—when leaders in these industries embark on a project, people are always the focus. The best community spaces bake in togetherness from the start, serving multiple patrons’ needs and creating opportunities for connection.
That connection is at the heart of the projects in our annual Facilities issue. Whether it’s a building’s construction materials, its intended uses, or its positive impacts, the best facilities are more than a place to accomplish a single objective. Each one is a (state-of-the-art) home away from home.
Wherever parks, recreation, and camp leaders are, third places naturally abound. Residents are lucky that they can find these spaces in their backyards, without having to pay a fortune or become nothing more than a membership fee. Let this month’s stories be a reminder of what great facilities represent—health, opportunity, and connectedness.
