CHICAGO, IL — Smart technology for lighting, irrigation and security, multi-use trails, a new procurement method and designing hybrid recreation centers are among the top priorities defining parks and recreation spaces in America in 2026. These findings are part of a new report released today by infrastructure builder F.H. Paschen: 2026 Trends in Parks & Recreation Construction. This publication is the third installment of the company’s five-part 2026 Construction Trends Series, which provides a roadmap for public agencies to build better communities.
The newly released guide designed for parks and recreation elected officials and employees identifies five major shifts in how public spaces are being built and managed.
“Parks are very often the heart of a community that are shifting to also become workhorses for local infrastructure,” said Jim Blair of F.H. Paschen. “Across the country, we’re being asked to build public spaces that do double duty, like recessed ballfields that act as flood detention basins during heavy rains.
The report from F.H. Paschen also highlights how agencies are using a new procurement method named Job Order Contracting (JOC) to bypass long bid cycles and complete upgrades faster. This method allows districts to finish seasonal projects, such as playground installations or trail repairs, in weeks rather than months.
“Public expectations for community parks are rising, and districts need to move fast to keep up,” said Tom Cross of F.H. Paschen. “Districts all across the country are now utilizing Job Order Contracting (JOC) because it allows them to eliminate the months-long traditional bidding process and start repaired or upgrades immediately.”
The 2026 Trends in Parks & Recreation Construction Guide is available for download at the F.H. Paschen website.
Covering infrastructure, housing, parks and recreation, municipal and education construction, the 2026 Construction Trends Series from F.H. Paschen highlights emerging trends that are defining the built environment in 2026 and provides a roadmap for public agencies and administrators to build better communities and public progress.
F.H. Paschen has released the full five-part 2026 Construction Trends Series:
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