Feature Story

September 2020

NRPA Survey: U.S. Adults Say Parks & Rec Is Essential

A new report from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) shows that a majority of U.S. adults—82%—believe that parks and recreation is essential. The report shows that the public's affinity toward local parks and recreation is strong, with U.S. residents visiting local park and recreation facilities more than twice a month on average.

"The 2020 Engagement With Parks Report," based on a survey of 1,000 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, also found that parks and recreation has been a vital respite for people during the COVID-19 pandemic. Three in five U.S. residents—more than 190 million people—visited a park, trail, open space or other recreation facility at least once during the first three months of the pandemic, and more than half of U.S. residents maintained or increased park, trail and open space usage during those same months.

Other key highlights from the report include:

• 72% of U.S. adults are more likely to vote for local political leaders who make park and recreation funding a priority.
• 77% of U.S. adults consider having a high-quality park, playground, public open space or recreation center nearby an important factor in deciding where they want to live.

"People value the essential work performed by park and recreation professionals and their agencies," said Kristine Stratton, president and CEO of NRPA. "The COVID-19 pandemic has proven that parks and recreation is fundamental to supporting the physical and mental health of people nationwide. For these reasons, people expect their local political leaders to provide the financial support needed to ensure these indispensable services continue to be available and are expanded to ensure all people have fair and just access to them."

People also believe strongly that equitable access to parks and recreation is vital to communities. According to a recent poll conducted by NRPA, the vast majority (87%) of U.S. adults agree it's important for people to have fair and just access to high-quality park and recreation programs, services and facilities that create healthy, resilient and economically vibrant communities.

The Engagement With Parks Report is an annual research series from NRPA that tracks the general public's interaction with and support for public parks. The findings provide park and recreation professionals, policymakers and other key stakeholders with insights on the importance local parks and recreation facilities play in the lives of all people. The NRPA Research Department publishes the Engagement With Parks Report each fall. Visit www.nrpa.org to learn more.