This book covers in detail the construction and equipping of athletic facilities. Planning and building for future as well as present needs and the wise, economical use of space are emphasized. Accompanied by informative illustrations, the topics discussed are: (1) historical antecedents and sociological trends in physical education and recreation; (2) facility consideration and new trends for physical education; (3) planning for facilities; (4) conventional buildings and building technology; (5) new technologies in athletic surfacing; (6) new technologies in structures; (7) inside the gymnasium building; (8) the service core; (9) the academic core; (10) swimming pools; (11) ice facilities; (12) and concepts of possible future developments in the field. Six appendixes are attached delineating in depth the following information for the consideration of those responsible for planning construction of school athletic facilities: (A) suggested list of initial equipment and supplies for new high schools; (B) space requirements for physical education and athletic complex; (C) room-by-room detailed programming document; (D) equipping the gymnastics area; (E) goofs in athletic facility construction; (F) recommended equipment for adapted physical education. (JD)