Are Steel Buildings Helping the Recreational Industry Grow?

Recreation is an enormous market that is expected to grow by more than 4.5% between now 2021 and 2026. From recreational facilities to recreation-based services such as parks and trails, health and fitness are trends that are here to stay in today’s market.

As more and more fitness and recreation-related businesses open, the need for infrastructure has also increased, and many new business owners have turned to metal buildings to fill this gap. Steel structures are far more economical than stick-built alternatives. They can be built in a fraction of the time compared to wood and are designed to last far longer with little need for maintenance. In fact, due to their cost-effective design, over 80% of all new commercial buildings are constructed using steel instead of wood.

Health and Fitness in the Modern Age

It’s no secret that regular exercise and physical activity can stave off extra pounds, reduce the chances of heart disease, and increase your overall health. Obesity has become an increasingly significant issue for many Americans. Over the last two decades, the prevalence of obesity in the US jumped from 30.5% to nearly 42%. As a result of this increase, annual medical costs have also increased, rising to an estimated $173 billion in 2019 alone.

However, even with the rise in obesity cases, the national trend has shifted to one more collectively concerned about health. As a result, more individuals are exercising and leading healthier lives. As a result of this shift, the recreational industry is seeing enormous growth.

How University Recreational Centers Factor into the Equation

It might not come as a big surprise, but the surge in the recreational industry has also affected college campuses. Here, younger students are increasingly taking part in physical activities. In some cases, as much as a 75% increase in participation. These students require training facilities, gyms, and recreational centers to support this health-centric trend.

And let’s not forget collegiate sports! From indoor practice facilities to training camps and indoor gyms, university-level sports require tons of infrastructure to keep their players working at their highest potential.

Parks, Trails, and Playgrounds Are Also a Huge Factor in Industry Growth

The recreational industry is an obtuse term used to describe a wide variety of industries that all center around the same thing: recreation. This term can represent an indoor pool facility just as easily as it can represent the amenities needed for outdoor hiking trails.

In fact, outdoor athletic facilities are a massive part of this equation. Parks, hiking trails, forests, playgrounds, and more depend heavily on metal buildings to function correctly. You’ll see these structures used for bathroom facilities, welcome centers, and museums, to name a few. And with most pandemic restrictions soundly in the nation’s rear-view mirror, many folks want to spend more time enjoying the outdoors.

Other Recreational Industries

You’d be surprised to find out just how many different business types use metal structures for its infrastructure.

• Golf Facilities – Whether it’s the full 18 holes or a simple driving range, this industry relies on metal structures for its facilities.
• Water Parks – Pool facilities and water parks are also significant players in the recreation industry. Many swimming facilities require steel buildings to enclose their pools and allow them to operate year-round.
• Trampoline Parks – In recent years, trampoline parks and similar facilities have become incredibly popular for training and fun entertainment for kids.
• Shooting Ranges – While not quite an aerobic sport, shooting and practice ranges for both firearms and archery are prevalent players in the recreational industry. And, like many other business types, these ranges use metal buildings for their cost-effective design and the extensive square footage they provide.

How Metal Buildings Have Changed the Recreational Industry

In previous years, most commercial structures were built from lumber, brick, or concrete. However, with the high cost of lumber, new business owners have chosen a far more economical option.

Steel buildings have a much quicker construction time, are more affordable, and can be customized to suit any application. As a result, it’s a no-brainer that most new gyms, training compounds, and sports facilities are now constructed from cold, hard steel.

Only steel structures offer the strength, flexibility, and customizability required to grow alongside this massive industry.

The Future of Metal Buildings and Recreational Facilities

As the population increases, the need for adequate gyms, studios, and recreational facilities will continue to grow. Whether it’s new brick-and-mortar establishments or expanding existing
facilities, these businesses must prepare for the future.

From training centers to national park attractions and everything in between, the future of this industry lies with metal buildings due to their cost, strength, maintenance requirements, and extended lifespan. Only these structure types offer the cutting-edge designs required by future industries.

Safeway Steel is Your Dedicated Metal Building Provider

No matter where you call home, you can bet that Safeway Steel has you covered with a wide assortment of prefab recreational metal buildings. From equipment sheds to enormous recreational facilities, we have the experience and capability to do it all.

So, if you’ve been eyeing the creation of your very own recreation-based business, you’ve come to the right place. Our dedicated building experts can help you design and customize a structure that’s perfectly suited to your needs. Call us today at +1 (800) 818-2245 to design and customize the perfect steel building for your recreational center. The future of recreation begins today with Safeway Steel!