Using technologies that assist park and recreation agencies to monitor the use of public spaces is a growing trend.
As an essential community service, collecting data is critical for park and recreation agencies to best understand and respond to the specific needs of their community members.
NRPA conducts the Park and Recreation Salary Survey to collect these data across the park and recreation field for the 13 most common positions.
Benefits are part of a great employment package, and local park and recreation agencies provide many.
In June 2024 at an NRPA Sandbox, titled “Surveying for Park and Recreation Success,” members asked about best practices for incorporating survey demographic questions.
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.
Tailoring data collection methods to cater to the abilities and interests of youth can improve the validity of data that truly incorporates youth voice.
People across varying backgrounds and identities have interest in farmers markets.
Learn about the facilities, services, outreach, programming and challenges found when providing accessible and affordable evidence-based programs and safe, inclusive environments to aging adults.
Local park and recreation agencies are top providers of spaces and programming where people can enjoy their favorite activities, connect with people and nature, and destress.
Using nationwide data, two research studies tested the relationship between county-level spending on park and recreation operations and specific health outcomes.
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.
This annual report summarizes key findings from nearly 1,000 unique park and recreation agencies across the United States on topics varying from facilities to staffing, budgets, programming and policies.
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.
Park and recreation agencies host myriad events year-round intended to engage the local community.
NRPA’s Evaluation Resource Hub is the place for park and recreation professionals to learn how to measure the impact of their services.
NRPA's Summer Seasonal Hiring Report explores the 2023 summer seasonal hiring process and identifies some of the hiring challenges agencies nationwide faced.
Parks and recreation provides the perfect place for community members to garden together.
The Center for Regional Analysis (CRA) at George Mason University and the research team at NRPA analyzed the economic contributions of local parks and recreation spending in the United States.
Findings from NRPA's latest Park Pulse poll show that parks and recreation elicits good feelings.
NRPA Park Metrics is the most comprehensive source of park and recreation agency benchmarks in the United States.
93% of U.S. adults are prioritizing four top activities in the new year.
Explore how NRPA's new online tool, combined with reports, provides data from a health and wellness perspective, demonstrating that parks and recreation is essential.
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.
Learn more about NRPA Park Metrics and how to get involved.
Check out the latest research that shows significant support for nature-based solutions.
Explore this in-depth look at research showing the significance of parks in the daily lives of people living the United States.
Research shows support for the need for parks and recreation close to home.
Diversity, equity and inclusion starts with park and recreation leaders focusing on their ability to affect their communities.
See what the research shows about what community members want from their parks and recreation departments.
Familiarize yourself with NRPA's vast Data and Mapping Resource Library.
Take a detailed look at research that shows the importance of parks and recreation programming for older adults.
Learn the importance of competitive compensation when it comes to recruiting and retaining the best available talent in parks and recreation.
Learn what NRPA's research says about how parks and recreation creates community connections.
The NRPA Research team partnered with researchers to understand the pandemic's legacy on parks and recreation.
Eighty-three percent of U.S. adults believe it is important to have access to recreation areas.
The 2023 NRPA Agency Performance Review summarizes key findings of more than 1,000 unique park and recreation agencies across the United States on varying topics.
Survey results that show the importance of making investments in safe and inclusive playgrounds.
NRPA Facility Market Reports offer key data and insights about the residents served by your agency's facilities.
Eighty-eight percent of U.S. adults support their local park and recreation agency implementing sustainability initiatives.
Insight into the amount of economic activity generated by local park and recreation agencies.
Park and recreation agencies are leading providers of sports opportunities for all.
An explanation of what was found in the NRPA’s most recent survey regarding sustainability.
A significant portion of U.S. adults look toward indoor activities provided by park and recreation agencies as a way to stay in shape.
Five steps can help you to assess the health impacts of parks and their economic impacts.
Nearly three in five people are very or extremely interested in these opportunities.
Park Pulse results highlight the wide variety of programming, offerings and amenities that make up parks and recreation.
Nearly three in four U.S. adults plan to attend a holiday-themed event in their communities this year.
From now through the end of January, the NRPA Research team is conducting its annual campaign to encourage you to complete the Agency Performance Survey.
Eighty-eight percent of U.S. adults want their local park and recreation agencies to provide adaptive and inclusive recreation programing so persons of all abilities may participate.
