Park and recreation departments provide opportunities to connect with nature
More than 3 in 4 U.S. adults agree it is extremely or very important for children and young adults to learn about the environment and ways they can be good environmental stewards in their communities, according to a newly released National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) poll. Additionally, younger generations, such as millennials and Gen Zers, are most likely to believe it is important for youth to become environmentally conscious.
“Park and recreation agencies are leading providers of spaces and programs where children and adults can learn about and connect with nature,” said Kevin Roth, NRPA vice president of research, evaluation and technology. “Cultivating opportunities for people to interact with the environment at their local parks is the first step toward inspiring environmental stewardship that will create healthier and more resilient communities for the future.”
One way park and recreation departments can encourage their community members to get involved is by hosting a BioBlitz — an event where community members work with park staff to create a snapshot of the variety of wildlife that can be found in local parks. To learn more about hosting a Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz, 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.