98 percent of U.S. adults agree it is important to provide youth with equitable access to sports opportunities, according to a newly released National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) poll.

The poll finds that, compared to U.S. residents overall, millennials are especially likely to say that equitable access to sports opportunities is extremely or very important. Additionally, 86 percent of parents believe it is extremely or very important to ensure equitable access.

“Park and recreation agencies provide fun, safe spaces to play where all kids can feel like they belong,” said Kevin Roth, NRPA vice president of research, evaluation and technology. “When kids have equitable access to sports opportunities, they increase their physical activity, build friendships and develop skills, like teamwork and respect. Ensuring equity throughout our nation’s parks systems is essential to our role as park and recreation professionals.”  

According to NRPA’s Youth Sports at Park and Recreation Agencies report, 86 percent of park and recreation professionals agree that they and their peers contribute to a fair and just future for youth sports by identifying inequities in access to organized sports offerings. To read the report, click 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 (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.