Best Park & Recreation Industry Books of 2026

You Are The Team by Michael Rogers is a practical book that aims to improve teamwork by focusing on each individual team member. The author uses real-life stories to highlight the six simple ways that teammates can go from good to great, including being more selfless, accountable, and respectful. The book also includes introspective questions to help readers reflect on their own application of each team concept. The end of the book provides an assessment to gauge the effectiveness of each team member. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone serious about upping the level of teamwork in their organization.

The National Parks: America's Best Idea is a companion volume to the PBS series by Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan. The book explores the history of America's national parks and the political battles that led to their creation. The authors introduce us to a diverse cast of characters, including John Muir, Theodore Roosevelt, and Ansel Adams, who committed themselves to saving these special places from destruction. The book is a glorious celebration of an essential expression of American democracy. It is a must-read for anyone interested in environmentalism and the preservation of natural wonders.

Designing Experiences by J. Robert Rossman and Mathew D. Duerden is a comprehensive guide for students and professionals who want to learn how to design experiences. The book provides a framework of experience types and explains what makes experiences personal and fulfilling. It presents interdisciplinary research underlying key concepts such as memory, intentionality, and dramatic structure in a down-to-earth style. The authors challenge readers to reflect on what makes a great experience from the user's perspective and provide detailed instructions and real-world examples. Overall, Designing Experiences is an invaluable overview of a growing field and provides readers with the tools they need to design innovative experiences.

The Last Season by Eric Blehm is a gripping detective story that explores the mysterious disappearance of Randy Morgenson, a legendary backcountry ranger in California's Sierra Nevada. The book is a mix of biography and adventure literature that delves into the personal demons and angels that push people to explore the wilderness alone. Blehm masterfully weaves together the search for Morgenson with his riveting life story, making it a compelling read for anyone who loves adventure or is interested in the outdoors. Overall, The Last Season is a powerful testament to the enduring allure of wild spaces and the people who dedicate their lives to protecting them.

Balanced Accountability by Hernani Alves is a must-read for every manager and entrepreneur. The book offers a proven framework for creating a culture of ownership in the workplace, where everyone brings passion and positivity to their jobs every day. The author's 3Ps of accountability are insightful and practical, empowering readers to implement the strategies in their organizations. What makes this book unique is that a portion of the proceeds goes to the Ticket To Dream Foundation, which helps foster kids get the support they need to thrive. Overall, Balanced Accountability is an honest, heart-felt, and valuable guide to building and leading a high-performance team.

The Wisdom of Walt: Leadership Lessons from the Happiest Place on Earth by Professor Jeffrey Barnes is a must-read for anyone looking to achieve their dreams. Through historical vignettes about Disneyland, Barnes distills Walt Disney's vision, knowledge, and methods into a series of actionable lessons that can be applied to improve your career, company, and life. The book teaches readers to trust themselves, go beyond their limits, and create unforgettable experiences. Overall, The Wisdom of Walt is an inspirational and educational read that offers a unique perspective on leadership and success.

If you're looking for a comprehensive guide to starting and running an RV park, RV resort, or campground business, then "How to Start, Run, and Grow an RV Park, RV Resort, or Campground Business" is the book for you. Written by an experienced RV park owner, this step-by-step guide covers everything from idea generation to business planning to growth strategies. It includes valuable insights on the financial gains you can expect, what amenities to consider, how to set prices and reservation policies, and much more. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in entering the hospitality, travel, and tourism industry.

The Experience: The 5 Principles of Disney Service and Relationship Excellence is a guide to achieving Disney-level customer experience in any organization. Co-authors Bruce Loeffler and Brian T. Church explain the I.C.A.R.E. model, which is based on five principles: Impression, Connection, Attitude, Response, and Exceptionals. The book provides a framework to assess customer service issues and determine the level of experience offered, as well as how to convert customers into ambassadors who share their stories with others. This book is a must-read for anyone in the hospitality, travel, or tourism industry looking to enhance their customer experience and gain an edge in the marketplace.

The Business of Personal Training by Human Kinetics, Inc. is an essential guide for personal trainers to build and grow their business. Divided into two parts, the book offers practical business guidelines and tools, including business plan templates and personal trainer-client forms. The second part covers key business concepts designed to help trainers structure their business, plan for startup expenses and financing, and get the right staff in place. With a companion web resource that provides templates and forms in an electronic format, this book is a valuable resource for personal trainers, fitness facility owners, and independent contractors.

NIAAA's Guide to Interscholastic Athletic Administration is an essential resource for anyone interested in high school athletic administration. This comprehensive guidebook covers various aspects of the athletic director's role, including leadership, operations, financial and facilities management, and legal and safety concerns. The book also offers specific strategies, techniques, and examples of how to solve common problems. It is a valuable tool for aspiring and practicing athletic directors to meet the demands of the job. Overall, this book is an excellent reference for anyone involved in high school sports administration.