November 2019

Survey Says: Americans Love Their Parks

By Joe Bush

The NRPA's fourth annual Engagement with Parks Report is chock-full of evidence that Americans love their parks.

The survey of 1,000 adults aged 18 and up reveals outdoorsy facts like:

• 93% say it is crucial to protect natural resources through the acquisition and maintenance of local parks, trails and green spaces.
• 88% say local parks provide good opportunities to interact with nature.
• Respondents visit their local park and recreation facilities an average of twice a month, with one in 10 visiting weekly, if not daily.
• 64% visited a local park and/or recreation facility within a month of the survey.
• 85% consider park and recreation opportunities important factors when choosing a new place to live.

On that last point, the survey shows further that easy access to high-quality parks and recreation opportunities is an important factor in relocation particularly for millennials, parents and those who identify as Hispanic.

Survey participants said their favorite park activities include: visiting a local park, playground, dog park or other open space; hiking, biking or walking on a trail; visiting a local recreation center or senior center; and playing sports or a game with family and friends.

"People are passionate for parks because everybody benefits from the offerings these spaces provide," said Kevin Roth, NRPA vice president of professional development, research and technology.

The survey also asked why people use parks and recreational facilities and what they do there. Half of the respondents either participated themselves or had a family member participate in a park district program within three months of the survey.

Sixty-two percent of the respondents used parks and facilities to be with family or friends, while 52% did so for exercise, 50% to be close to nature, 36% for a taste of excitement or adventure, and 16% to learn a skill or craft.

Survey participants specifically favored activities ranging from merely walking in a park or on a trail to playing organized sports to attending classes.

Seventy one percent said their favorite activity was simply visiting a park or playground or other open space; 46% said hiking, biking or walking on a trail; 43% most enjoyed visiting a rec center or senior center; 33% played sports or games; 31% used aquatic facilities; 20% took classes; 19% had children in after-school activities; and 18% compete in organized sports leagues.

The report advised professionals that they can improve by removing or lessening what the public perceives as barriers to the use of parks and rec facilities.

Thirty-seven percent of respondents said a lack of time was an impediment, while 19% said lack of quality parks and facilities nearby, 18% said they cost too much, 16% said the areas around parks and facilities weren't safe, 15% said they were concerned about the safety of traveling to and from parks and facilities, 15% said they were unaware of the locations of parks and rec facilities, and 13% said the parks and facilities don't offer anything of interest.

"Parks are a solution to many of the issues people face, especially as it relates to their health and the natural environment," Roth said. "Easy access to park and recreation amenities for all members of the community is essential to the well-being of our cities, towns and counties."