Programming provides important opportunities for all to connect with community

Nine in 10 U.S. adults look to their local park and recreation agency to take the necessary steps to ensure everyone in their community feels welcome, according to the latest National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Park Pulse poll.

Local parks and recreation strive to cultivate a sense of belonging in their communities by offering low- or no-cost programs so all residents can participate. Nearly two-thirds of park and recreation agencies across the country offer programming for people of all abilities.

• Key Findings:
  • Eighty-eight percent of U.S. adults indicate it is important that their local park and recreation agency take steps to ensure all their community members feel welcome.
  • Seventy-five percent of residents who identify as Black note it is extremely or very important that their local park and recreation agency take steps to ensure all their community members feel welcome.
  • Seventy-four percent of parents note it is extremely or very important that their local park and recreation agency take steps to ensure all their community members feel welcome.

“Now more than ever, our residents need to feel connected to their communities,” said Kevin Roth, NRPA vice president of research, evaluation and technology. “Park and recreation professionals strive to ensure everyone in their community can participate in their offerings regardless of race, income, ability, age, nationality, gender identity, gender expression or any other identity.”

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

To view the full-size infographic, click here.

Each month, through a poll of 1,000 U.S. residents focused on park and recreation issues, NRPA Park Pulse helps tell the park and recreation story. To learn more about NRPA’s Park Pulse and see results from previous polls, click here.

To learn more about NRPA, visit nrpa.org.

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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 nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit parksandrecreation.org.