Parks and Recreation Fosters Connection Through Group Activities

Nearly all U.S. adults (92 percent) agree it is important for youth to participate in group activities, according to the latest National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Park Pulse poll. Parents are more likely to believe youth participation in group activities is extremely important than non-parents.

Parks and recreation cultivates meaningful connections and a sense of community among youth through group activities. Through the group programs provided by parks and recreation, kids can learn teamwork, leadership, and build bonds in a fun and safe environment.

    Key Findings:

• Nearly all U.S. adults (92%) agree it is important for youth to participate in group activities, with nearly three-quarters (74%) agreeing it is very or extremely important.
• Parents are more likely to believe youth participation in group activities is very or extremely important compared to non-parents (81% vs. 71%).
• Eighty-four percent of parents of teenagers believe it is very or extremely important for youth to be involved in group activities.

“As one of the largest providers of youth sports and youth development services in the nation, park and recreation professionals and their offerings reach more than 40 million youth each year,” said Melissa May, senior research manager. “No other program or service has quite the reach that park and recreation agencies have, and the opportunity to connect with others is remarkable.”

Each month, through a poll of 1,000 U.S. residents focused on park and recreation issues, NRPA Park Pulse helps tell the park and recreation story. To learn more about NRPA’s Park Pulse and see results from previous polls, click here.