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Nearly 9 in 10 U.S. adults say it is important for children and young adults to have access to mentors, including 71% who say it is extremely or very important.

Park and recreation professionals include teachers, coaches, counselors and community leaders who act as mentors by helping to build confidence, encourage positivity and values, empower healthy decision making and provide support.

Gen Xers (79%) and parents (80%) believe it is extremely or very important for children and young adults to have access to mentors.

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. Questions span from the serious to the more lighthearted. The survey was conducted by Wakefield Research (www.wakefieldresearch.com).