Local parks and recreation is a top provider of these services in communities nationwide
Ashburn, Va. (June 29, 2020) — Nine in 10 U.S. adults want children to have access to community-based programs and services — including those sponsored by local parks and recreation — during the summer, according to a newly released National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) poll. Summertime activities typically offered by park and recreation professionals and their agencies include:
- Summer camps
- Summer childcare
- Summer meal programs
- Sports leagues
Summertime programs and services are especially important among parents with young children, according to the recent poll. Ninety-five percent of parents in the U.S. with young children say it’s important for youth in their community to have access to these seasonal opportunities. Ninety percent of U.S. adults without children agree with this sentiment as well, demonstrating broad support for fully funding youth summertime programs and services in communities everywhere.
“The need for families to have access to quality, safe and affordable summertime programs and services is at an all-time high,” said Kevin Roth, NRPA’s vice president of research, evaluation and technology. “These essential programs provide parents and children with the ongoing support they need and strengthen communities by bringing people of all backgrounds to learn and grow together.”
NRPA is proud to support park and recreation professionals nationwide in their ongoing efforts to build and strengthen communities through the lifesaving programs and services they provide. Thanks to the tireless work of these dedicated professionals, nearly 500,000 youth have improved access to healthy foods and physical activity opportunities annually. This important work is part of NRPA’s Commit to Health initiative that focuses on community health and wellness, and demonstrates how park and recreation agencies serve as effective community wellness hubs. Additional information about NRPA’s Commit to Health initiative is available here.
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.
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About the National Recreation and Park Association
The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that all people have access to parks and recreation for health, conservation and social equity. Through its network of 60,000 recreation and park professionals and advocates, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles, conservation initiatives and equitable access to parks and public space. For more information, visit www.nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrecreation.org.