Parks & Recreation
A Look at Trends in Parks & Recreation
Programming
Parks respondents were more likely than non-parks respondents to indicate that they offered programming at their various facilities. While 98.7 percent of parks respondents said they offer programs of any kind, 95.2 percent of non-parks respondents offer programs.
The most common programs found in parks and recreation respondents' facilities include: holiday events and other special events (79.8 percent of those who offer any programs); youth sports teams (70.3 percent); day camps and summer camps (69.8 percent); educational programs (63.2 percent); adult sports teams (62.9 percent); arts and crafts (62.8 percent); swimming programs (56.8 percent); fitness programs (56.7 percent); programs for active older adults (55.6 percent); and sport training (55.1 percent).
Gone to the Dogs
Dog parks have been soaring in popularity over the past several years, spreading from a strong foundation in the Western states all the way across the country. This is the second year that dog parks were the top planned addition among parks respondents, though the percentage fell slightly from 29.6 percent in 2012 to 26.7 percent this year.
Dog parks are a relatively low-cost amenity parks can add to really make an impact in their communities. It can be as simple as a space set apart and gated to provide some security for off-leash pets, or it can be more elaborate, with agility equipment, pet wash stations, dogthemed benches and fountains and more.
If you’re looking to get a dog park started in your community, visit www.dogpark.com for hints and tips.
Swimming programs and sport training did not appear on the list of top 10 programs currently offered in 2012. They replaced sports tournaments and races, and festivals and concerts. Other programs that saw slight growth over 2012 include holiday events and other special events; youth sports teams, day camps and summer camps, educational programs, adult sports teams, and fitness programs.
Around a third (33.2 percent) of parks respondents in 2013 indicated that they have plans to add programs at their facilities, a decrease from the 36.3 percent of 2012 parks respondents who had such plans.
The most commonly planned programs, along with their changing positions from 2012, include:
- Environmental education (no change from 2012)
- Teen programming (no change)
- Fitness programs (no change)
- Educational programs (up from No. 5)
- Programs for active older adults (down from No. 4)
- Holiday events & other special events (up from No. 7)
- Mind-body/balance programs (down from No. 6)
- Sports tournaments or races (did not appear in 2012)
- Individual sports activities (running club, swim club, etc.) (did not appear in 2012)
- Festivals and concerts (did not appear in 2012)
Falling off the list from last year were adult sports teams, performing arts, and day camps and summer camps. There was virtually no change in the top five planned programs.
The Power of Parks
It's not often that one considers the power of parks to make a difference in communities. But a quick glance at the Guiding Policy Principles of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) can put the power of parks into perspective.
Parks and recreation resources, NRPA says, "protect our environment, preserve wildlife habitat, strengthen local economies, attract new businesses, contribute to the local tax base, increase property values, and improve the physical and mental health of citizens of all ages."
The NRPA's guiding policy principles, which direct the association's advocacy efforts, include:
- NRPA advocates for federal investment to help fund the acquisition, development and rehabilitation of parks and public lands, as well as recreational infrastructure and resources.
- NRPA advocates for legislation to support the role of parks and recreation in improving health through physical activity, prevention of chronic disease, rehabilitation of wounded service members, as well as opportunities for inclusion of individuals with disabilities.
- NRPA advocates for energy, climate change and other legislative measures that aim to sustain, protect, restore and expand these parks and other recreation lands as environmental assets.
- NRPA considers children's access to nature a national policy priority.
- NRPA advocates for national policies that encourage walking, biking and the development of alternative transportation networks to create more livable and healthy communities.
Learn more at www.nrpa.org.