Nearly all U.S. adults (92 percent) agree it is important for youth to participate in group activities, according to the latest National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Park Pulse poll. Parents are more likely to believe youth participation in group activities is extremely important than non-parents.
Parks and recreation cultivates meaningful connections and a sense of community among youth through group activities. Through the group programs provided by parks and recreation, kids can learn teamwork, leadership, and build bonds in a fun and safe environment.
Key Findings:
- Nearly all U.S. adults (92%) agree it is important for youth to participate in group activities, with nearly three-quarters (74%) agreeing it is very or extremely important.
- Parents are more likely to believe youth participation in group activities is very or extremely important compared to non-parents (81% vs. 71%).
- Eighty-four percent of parents of teenagers believe it is very or extremely important for youth to be involved in group activities.
“As one of the largest providers of youth sports and youth development services in the nation, park and recreation professionals and their offerings reach more than 40 million youth each year,” said Melissa May, senior research manager. “No other program or service has quite the reach that park and recreation agencies have, and the opportunity to connect with others is remarkable.”
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.
###
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.