What it is
Recreation & parks management is the study of organizing recreation, leisure, parks, and community programs that promote health, community, and well-being — running parks and facilities, community programs, outdoor recreation, and (in the clinical track) recreational therapy.
What you'll study
Coursework spans recreation, management, and (optionally) therapy:
- CoreRecreation programming, leisure studies, facility and event management
- ManagementAdministration, budgeting, and community engagement
- TracksParks/outdoor recreation, community recreation, or recreational therapy (a clinical, credentialed path)
Concentrations & focus areas
- Parks / Outdoor RecreationPublic lands & nature
- Community RecreationPrograms & centers
- Recreational TherapyClinical (credentialed)
- Sport / Event ManagementPrograms & events
- Tourism / Commercial RecLeisure industry
- Facility ManagementVenues & operations
Skills you'll build
- Program planningOrganizing recreation
- ManagementFacilities & budgets
- Community engagementServing the public
- LeadershipRunning programs
- Therapy skillsFor the RT track
Careers & job titles
- Recreation program / facility managerParks & community centers
- Park manager / rangerPublic lands
- Recreational therapistHealthcare (~$67,630, credentialed)
- Community / nonprofit programsYMCA, clubs
- Tourism / commercial recreationLeisure industry
- Outdoor / camp directorPrograms
Job outlook & demand
Outlook varies by path: recreational therapists (a clinical, credentialed role) have solid healthcare-driven demand, while general recreation-worker roles are more variable and sometimes seasonal/part-time. Management and specialized (therapy, parks) roles are the steadier careers.
Pay: median, range & trajectory
Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, recreational therapists had a median around $67,630 (a clinical role requiring certification), while general recreation workers earn around $34,410 (often part-time/seasonal). Management and specialized roles pay more.
Degree levels it's offered at
Offered across these levels — click a level to learn about it:
A bachelor's supports recreation and parks management; the recreational therapy track requires an accredited program and certification (CTRS) for clinical practice.
Is it right for you?
You might thrive here if you love the outdoors, community, and helping people through recreation — and want a people-centered, mission-driven career.
For stability and pay: target management, parks, or the clinical recreational-therapy track (credentialed) rather than general recreation-worker roles, which are often seasonal or part-time.
Explore further
Keep exploring:
Key facts
- FocusRecreation, parks, leisure & community programs
- IncludesClinical recreational-therapy track (credentialed)
- CareersRecreation/facility manager, park manager, rec therapist
- OutlookVaries; rec therapy steadier (BLS)
- Pay$67,630 (rec therapists) / ~$34,410 (rec workers), BLS
Where to learn more
Authoritative sources for careers and pay: