The National Recreation and Park Association polls U.S. residents to explore their views on topics related to the park and recreation field. Each poll targets 1,000 adults ages 18 and up, representing a cross-section of the population. Browse an archive of findings below.
2022
February 2022
Teenagers and young adults benefit from first jobs in a variety of ways.
Read Key Findings
January 2022
Achieve your health and wellness goals with the help of your local park and recreation agency.
Read Key Findings
2021
December 2021
Gifts associated with the outdoors are big this holiday season.
Read Key Findings
November 2021
Parks and Recreation Link Our Lives Through Trails
Read Key Findings
October 2021
Just 20 minutes a day outside reduces stress. How long do adults spend outside daily?
Read Key Findings
September 2021
Sharing outdoor open spaces for increased recreation opportunities.
Read Key Findings
August 2021
Childhood memories of the beach, park and playground are shared with the next generation.
Read Key Findings
July 2021
U.S. adults want their local governments to invest in community infrastructure.
Read Key Findings
June 2021
U.S. adults find activities offered by local park and recreation agencies benefit their mental health.
Read Key Findings
May 2021
There is something outside for everyone to enjoy.
Read Key Findings
April 2021
Park and recreation professionals play a vital role in the protection of our environment.
Read Key Findings
March 2021
Many young adults’ first-ever job is at the local park and recreation agency.
Read Key Findings
February 2021
Parks and recreation provide vital resources for physical activity.
Read Key Findings
January 2021
Park and recreation professionals provide important mentorship to youth.
Read Key Findings
2020
December 2020
Volunteer opportunities for all ages exist through local park and recreation agencies.
Read Key Finding
November 2020
Local parks, campgrounds and greenspaces provide great opportunities for families and friends to gather this fall and winter.
Read Key Findings
October 2020
U.S. adults want their local government to dedicate funds through revenues, taxes and levies that directly support parks and recreation.
Read Key Findings
September 2020
Fair and just access to high-quality park and rec programs, services and facilities create healthy, resilient and economically vibrant communities.
Read Key Findings
August 2020
More than half to the U.S. are planning their summer vacation close to home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read Key Findings
July 2020
Adults want children to have access to the summertime programs and services like those provided by local park and recreation agencies.
Read Key Findings
June 2020
Local park and recreation professionals and their agencies offer a wide variety of virtual classes and courses geared to people of all ages and abilities.
Read Key Findings
May 2020
Local parks, trails and open spaces are more important than ever to our mental and physical health.
Read Key Findings
April 2020
Park and recreation professionals play a vital role in teaching conservation efforts to children. Learning to reduce waste through recycling, reusable bags, composting and limiting single-use products is a top priority conservation effort for all children to learn.
Read Key Findings
March 2020
Local government investments in parks and recreation promote economic activity.
Read Key Findings
February 2020
The public supports local government providing resources for nutrition assistance to low-income families.
Read Key Findings
January 2020
Stay active this winter at your local parks and recreation center.
Read Key Findings
2019
December 2019
Park and recreation agencies sponsor holiday events that can be enjoyed by all members of the community.
Read Key Findings
November 2019
Local parks are a popular spot for people of all ages to volunteer.
Read Key Findings
October 2019
An overwhelming majority of people find before- and afterschool programs hosted by park and recreation agencies important.
Read Key Findings
September 2019
Ninety-one percent of residents are interested in attending nighttime park activities.
Read Key Findings
August 2019
Eighty-five percent of Americans want their local government to fund park and rec improvement projects.
Read Key Findings
July 2019
Nine in 10 Americans find their favorite outdoor recreation activities hosted by their park and recreation agencies.
Read Key Findings
June 2019
Park and recreation agencies deliver easy access to low/no-cost fitness and educational opportunities.
Read Key Findings
May 2019
Cost is a top factor when Americans Register for Recreational Team Sports.
Read Key Findings
April 2019
Park and recreation agencies and their facilities can play a role in the response and recovery efforts during natural disasters.
Read Key Findings
March 2019
Parks and other natural areas provide health benefits to those that visit.
Read Key Findings
February 2019
Americans agree nearly unanimously that learning to swim at an early age is important.
Read Key Findings
January 2019
Americans agree on special efforts for pollinators but are unsure of how they can personally help.
Read Key Findings
2018
December 2018
The holiday season can look very different depending on where you live in the US, but parks are always an option.
Read Key Findings
November 2018
Pets are an extension of our families and, being as such, having a safe place for them to play is important.
Read Key Findings
October 2018
Americans agree that their local government should increase the availability of out-of-school options for families of all incomes.
Read Key Findings
September 2018
Most Americans believe access to locally grown fresh produce is important.
Read Key Findings
August 2018
There are plenty of activities you and your family can enjoy this summer without breaking the bank.
Read Key Findings
July 2018
Parents and millennials agree, merging tech and nature would increase children’s desire to go to their local parks.
Read Key Findings
June 2018
Americans tend to take a walk around their neighborhood when wanting to lower their stress levels.
Read Key Findings
May 2018
Teaching kids where their food comes from and how to grow their own is extremely valuable.
Read Key Findings
April 2018
Protecting pollinators and increasing pollinator habitat should be a conservation priority.
Read Key Findings
March 2018
Americans look to their community to provide inclusive play options to all children.
Read Key Findings
February 2018
Recreation/community centers rank among the top three places Americans look to when eager to learn more about healthy eating and healthy cooking options.
Read Key Findings
January 2018
Parks and recreation centers provide a welcome relief to beat those winter blues.
Read Key Findings
2017
December 2017
Holiday light displays, parades and festivals bring families to events sponsored by their parks and recreation agency.
Read Key Findings
November, 2017
Americans head to their local parks and trails when the doctor wants them to be more active.
Read Key Findings
October, 2017
Healthy living classes, programming for both children and older adults, nature-based activities and, arts and crafts top the list of needed services.
Read Key Findings
September, 2017
Americans overwhelming agree the right to peacefully assemble in parks and other public spaces is important.
Read Key Findings
August, 2017
Nearly half of all Americans prefer vacation destinations that are secluded and relaxing.
Read Key Findings
July, 2017
Adults of all ages are spending time engaged in outdoor play each week in America.
Read Key Findings
June, 2017
Americans head outside for their walking pleasure.
Read Key Findings
May, 2017
Financial difficulties resulted in close to 100 million Americans experiencing food insecurity over the past year.
Read Key Findings
April, 2017
Americans look to their local government to make environmental initiatives a priority.
Read Key Findings
March, 2017
Americans support a proposal allowing HSA and FSA money to be used for fitness programs and recreation costs.
Read Key Findings
February, 2017
Americans say it is important for the local government to set aside land to preserve the natural landscape.
Read Key Findings
January, 2017
Americans prefer to stay physically active this winter by walking, running, and hiking outside.
Read Key Findings
2016
December, 2016
Three in four Americans intend to purchase gifts associated with outdoor activities this holiday season.
Read Key Findings
November, 2016
Healthy food and drink options while on-the-go should be made more accessible, say most Americans.
Read Key Findings
October, 2016
A new online survey finds Americans support NRPA’s position in prohibiting the use of tobacco products in public areas.
Read Key Findings
September, 2016
Americans overwhelmingly agree that children need more physical activity opportunities.
Read Key Findings
August, 2016
Watching Olympic and other sports athletes inspire many to be more active on their own says the latest NRPA poll.
Read Key Findings
July, 2016
NRPA poll shows most Americans have attended or will be attending one or more outdoor summer events in their community this summer.
Read Key Findings
June, 2016
NRPA identifies the activities enjoyed the most outside in the summer through the latest poll.
Read Key Findings
May, 2016
NRPA poll shows Zika to alter the outdoor plans of many Americans this summer.
Read Key Findings
About NRPA Park Pulse
NRPA commissions Wakefield Research to survey approximately 1,000 adults ages 18 and up, on topics related to the park and recreation field. Each month, NRPA will release a new Park Pulse poll result. If you have a suggestion for a Park Pulse poll question, please send it to Kevin Roth.
Contact Us
For more information about NRPA Park Pulse:
h Schools for Greater Access
Summer Means Happy Memories
Investing in Parks and Recreation 
Mental Health Benefits of Parks and Recreation
Outdoor Activities for All This Spring and Summer
Create New Traditions in Parks this Season
Virtual Recreation Resources Available
Economic Benefits Found in Park and Recreation Investments
