New Survey: 3 in 4 U.S Adults Aim to “Give Back” to Their Local Community This Holiday Season and Beyond

(December 1, 2020)

Communities encouraged to “take action” with local parks and recreation

Ashburn, Va. (Dec. 1, 2020) — In an effort to “give back” this holiday season and beyond, 3 in 4 U.S. adults want to “take action” to help their local community, according to a newly released National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) poll. The top three voluntary activities typically sponsored by local parks and recreation people want to participate in to help their community include:  

  • Cleaning up trash at a local park or trail
  • Volunteering at a shelter, soup kitchen or local farmers market
  • Donating money to provide opportunities for children to attend camp or afterschool activities

Parents and young adults are among those most likely to “give back” to their local community. Eighty-five percent of parents and 82 percent of millennials say they want to “take action” to help their local community, compared to 70 percent of Baby Boomers and 77 percent of Gen Xers. Other voluntary activities typically sponsored by local parks and recreation people want to participate in to help their community include:

  • Planting trees or assisting with trail maintenance/invasive plant species removal
  • Teaching classes to adults or youth
  • Promoting park and recreation programs and events to their social networks
  • Planning or hosting a community event, such as a recycling day or clothing drive
  • Coaching youth sports/mentoring local youth
  • Championing initiatives that support safe access to parks to local political officials

“Giving back to the community is at the heart of what every park and recreation professional and agency does,” said Kristine Stratton, president and CEO of NRPA. “Anyone who is interested in giving back to their community this holiday season and beyond is encouraged to team up with their local parks and recreation where there are meaningful volunteer opportunities for everyone.”

NRPA is proud to recognize the essential role park and recreation professionals play in the health and well-being of communities everywhere. As their champion, NRPA encourages everyone that believes in the power of parks and recreation to invest in these talented individuals through a monetary donation that directly impacts the field. Every donation helps NRPA and its members achieve safe access to parks for all… because everyone deserves a great park.

This Giving Tuesday, invest in park and recreation professionals who ensure everyone has access to a great park. Donate Now.

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

To view the full-size infographic, click here.

To learn more about NRPA, visit www.nrpa.org.

###

About the National Recreation and Park Association
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With more than 60,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and advocates — the catalysts for positive change in service of equity, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being. For more information, visit www.nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrecreation.org.