Almost all U.S. adults (93 percent) are likely to seek out a new skill or hobby — particularly cooking, fitness and health, and arts and crafts — according to the latest National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Park Pulse poll.

Park and recreation agencies prioritize providing a diverse range of spaces and resources to accommodate various hobbies and interests. Most U.S. adults are likely to seek out cooking, fitness and health, and arts and crafts classes. Parents are more likely to choose cooking and arts and crafts compared to non-parents. Moreover, men are more interested in advancing their skills in technology and history than women, while women are more likely to engage with arts and crafts, gardening and photography. 

“Park and recreation departments provide myriad offerings to their communities — many locally and at low or no cost, making trying new activities within reach for many people who otherwise may not have the means or opportunity to have these experiences otherwise,” said Melissa May, NRPA senior manager of research.  “From offering fitness and health classes, providing space for arts and crafts, to playing a vital role in healthy ecosystems and endeavoring to make facilities inclusive to and accessible by all people, local parks and recreation offers something for everyone.”

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.