Park and recreation agencies are one of the largest providers of out-of-school activities for children. Their services are not just used as an option for fun and learning by families, often their services are vital to those families with working parents and caregivers. Providing a safe, educational and enjoyable environment before and after school, as well as, summers and holiday/seasonal breaks, gives parents peace of mind. When local governments commit to ensure the services provided by the park and recreation agencies, libraries and other government departments are accessible, affordable and practical, communities thrive.

Key Findings

• Ninety-three percent of Americans agree increasing the availability of affordable out-of-school programs at local parks, recreation centers and libraries to families of all income levels should be a goal of their local government
• Strong agreement found among users and non-users of out-of-school time programs. Ninety-four percent of Americans with children in the household and 91 percent of Americans with no children in the household agree with a governmental goal of increased affordable out-of-school programs
• Millennials, Gen Xers and baby boomers support a governmental goal of increased affordable out-of-school programs (97 percent, 92 percent, 89 percent respectively)