Planning for Sports Facilities Through the Seasons
Seasonal sports in the U.S. are a significant opportunity for sports facilities to capitalize on the popularity of a particular sport or activity at a given time. If your facility or recreation center experiences a regular seasonal lull that you would prefer to avoid, there are a few ways to appeal to members, as well as bring in new ones. These come with some important considerations that Sports Facilities Advisory can help you with.
Planning and Strategy
As with any project, it is vital to plan ahead in order to optimize your results. You should especially be considering potential situations that could arise when you are catering to sports and activities that are dependent upon seasonal trends. For example, many sports facilities offer winter sports in regions prone to severe weather conditions. You need to be prepared for drops in numbers, cancellations of events and other factors.
Seasonal Considerations
Seasonal conditions are vital for sports facilities looking to cater to seasonal sports and events. If your facility is based in an area that experiences high temperatures in the summer, regular and attentive maintenance to air conditioning systems is vital, and you must always be aware of your facility members’ comfort and well-being, as well as any risks posed by high temperatures.
If your facility conducts outdoor activities during the summer, always be sure that any staff working with members is aware of potential risks to both the users and themselves. The health of your staff is as important as that of your clientele. Outdoor events should always encourage proper hydration.
If you are planning winter sports and events, many similar conditions need to be taken into consideration. If your sports facility is based somewhere that experiences extreme cold – especially snow and frost – then pipes and water supply must be regularly maintained. There is a significant risk with regular freezing and thawing that pipes will either seize or burst from having hot and cold water running through them.
As with air conditioning for hotter weather, cold weather presents a challenge in heating your facility. You should be able to maintain a balance between the lower temperatures outside, without the risk of overheating the indoor portions of your sports facility. If possible, you should provide areas that are cooler for those participating in activities, while keeping more general public areas warm.
During the spring and fall, different areas of the country will experience various fluctuations in weather. Many regions see increased rainfall in these seasons, with some even encountering more severe conditions such as high winds or tornadoes. Flooding and weather damage are additional considerations you should take into account if your facility is open during these seasons. Be prepared for the risk of flooding and have designated areas inside for shelter if you are based in an area prone to tornadoes.
Sports Facilities Advisory Advice and Support
There are many things to take into account when planning seasonal sports services and events. The Sports Facilities Advisory can offer you expert advice and guidance on how to plan when facing these challenges, along with many others. Contact the Sports Facilities Advisory today if you have any questions or are looking into detailed planning for your sports facility.
