Forty-five percent of U.S adults listed running or walking outdoors as their favorite wintertime park and recreation activity, according to the latest National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Park Pulse poll. Parks and recreation offer a wide range of programming options in the winter months, including outdoor and indoor activities.
While running or walking outdoors was ranked as the most popular winter activity, gym workouts, and indoor fitness classes trail close behind as preferred winter park and recreation activities. No matter where individuals live or what the weather is like, it is important they stay active all year long.
Key Findings:
- Forty-five percent of U.S adults listed running or walking outdoors as their favorite wintertime park and recreation activity.
- Thirty-six percent of survey respondents indicated that working out at the gym was their favorite winter wellness activity associated with their park and recreation department.
- Thirty-four percent of U.S. adults said they preferred other indoor activities during the wintertime to stay active and utilize their park and recreation facilities.
“Local park and recreation agencies provide low-cost or no-cost opportunities year-round to help community members stay active, whether that be outdoors or indoors to escape the cold,” said Dianne Palladino, NRPA interim director of research and evaluation. “We encourage everyone to take advantage of their local offerings this time of year to take care of their mental and physical health.”
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 www.nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrecreation.org.