Parks and Recreation Centers Community Representation

Eighty percent of U.S. adults agree it is important for local government officials to reflect the racial and/or ethnic makeup of the communities they serve, according to the latest National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Park Pulse poll.

This sentiment is particularly strong among parents, adults identifying as black or Hispanic, those living in urban areas, and Gen Zers. Nearly three quarters (74%) of park and recreation agencies institute hiring practices and policies to promote a more diverse workforce.

Key Findings:

  • Eighty percent of U.S. adults agree it is important for local government officials to reflect the racial and/or ethnic makeup of the communities they serve, including half indicating it is extremely or very important.
  • Eighty-nine percent of Gen Zers and 86 percent of millennials find it important that local government officials reflect the racial and/or ethnic makeup of the community they serve.
  • Black (91%) and Hispanic (89%) adults agree it is important for local government officials to reflect the racial and/or ethnic makeup of the communities they serve.
  • Sixty percent of parents overall and 65 percent of parents with children under 13 years of age indicate local government officials reflecting the racial and/or ethnic makeup of the communities they serve is extremely or very important.
  • Sixty-one percent of those living in urban areas indicate local government officials reflecting the racial and/or ethnic makeup of the communities they serve is extremely or very important.

“Park and recreation professionals operate at the center of community,” said Melissa May, NRPA senior manager of research.  “They understand the importance of celebrating all who live within their communities and ensuring their agencies offer programs and services that benefit all so that everyone has access to a great park.”

To view the interactive charts with the survey results, click here.

To view the full-size infographic, click here.

To read the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Parks and Recreation report, click here

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.