Seven in eight U.S. adults are seeking low- or no-cost recreation opportunities for themselves or their families

Households across the nation are looking for affordable recreation opportunities, according to the latest National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Park Pulse poll. Park and recreation agencies are leaders in providing affordable recreation opportunities in their communities, including youth sports, adult fitness programming, arts and crafts classes, and more.

As families face rising costs on everyday items and necessities, having access to low- or no-cost recreation for oneself and the members of their family is important. Nearly nine in 10 U.S. adults desire access to low- or no-cost recreation opportunities, with nearly 60 percent being very or extremely interested in these opportunities. Parents, millennials and Gen Xers are particularly interested in affordable recreation activities found at their local parks and recreation.

• Key Findings:
  • A majority of U.S. adults (87 percent) are interested in having access to low- or no-cost recreation opportunities, with nearly three in five very or extremely interested in these opportunities (59 percent).
  • Nearly all millennials (96 percent) and Gen Xers (93 percent) are interested in these affordable recreational opportunities, with more than three in four millennials (78 percent) very or extremely interested.
  • Almost all parents (95 percent) are interested in low- or no-cost recreation opportunities, and many of them are very or extremely interested (74 percent).

“Park and recreation professionals and their agencies deliver vital services to our communities,” said Kevin Roth, NRPA vice president of research, evaluation and technology. “Low- and no-cost recreation opportunities connect every member of the community to essential programs, services and spaces that advance health outcomes and equity while enhancing quality of life for all.”

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.

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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.