Three Common Myths Of Facility Planning

For anybody who is currently developing a sports complex or recreation center, you know how difficult facility planning can be. It is a long, multi-step process with a lot of moving parts. As a developer, you have to be able to identify and execute a vision while also not letting the more practical steps fall through the cracks.
At Sports Facilities Advisory, we make sure that nothing falls through the cracks and there are some common myths that make what we do necessary. In today’s blog post, we will take a look at three of these common myths and how to avoid them.

1. Demographics Don’t Matter

For many facility developers with a strong vision, it can be easy to neglect things like demographics. If there is a strong vision, there is often the sentiment that your facility will be successful, regardless of the demographics of the area. However, during the facility planning process, it is important to look at your demographics and determine if your facility is even necessary.
How old are the people living in your target radius? Do they have young kids? What kind of sports are popular in your area? These are important questions to answer before investing any money into a facility.

1. Vision Is All That Matters

Building on the first myth, the idea that vision is the only thing that matters is just as destructive. While vision is absolutely crucial for the facility planning process, it is often this sentiment that leads to disorganization and a lack of structure. If this is you, please know that your vision is what will make your facility a success. However, your vision needs a strong supporting cast. You need financial planners and management specialists. You need to know your community and know what they want out of a facility. Vision is important, but it only works if it has strong facility planning behind it.

1. The Facility Will Promote Itself

This is also a myth that is often voiced by facility planners with very strong visions. Again, while vision is hugely important, not everybody in your community has had the opportunity to see your vision for themselves. A lack of promotion is a fairly common facility planning error, especially with multi-purpose facilities and complexes with a strong aesthetic appeal. People might be intrigued by what you are building, but if you want people to get involved, they need to know what your facility is all about.

Contact Sports Facilities Advisory For Facility Planning Tips

Facility planning is a long process and it’s important not to do it alone. At Sports Facilities Advisory, we want to help you plan for success. For more information or tips, give us a call at (727) 474-3845 or contact us online today.