Featured Park Pulse
Learning Occurs Where Aquatics Happen
March 2026: Access to aquatics and water safety go hand-in-hand.
Recent Park Pulse Findings
Mixed Age Recreation
November 2025: The public agrees there are benefits of intergenerational group activities.
The Value of Local Community Activities
July 2025: Community activities are valuable to local families.
Doctor Recommended
May 2025: Healthcare providers make suggestions for physical and mental health that occur at home and in parks.
Investing in Environmental Resiliency
April 2025: Parks and recreation play vital roles during emergencies and should be funded appropriately to handle such times.
Why Do People Go To Parks?
March 2025: There is something for everyone at their local park.
Encouraging Girls in Sports
February 2025: Agreement on the importance of encouraging girls to participate in sports as they enter middle school and high school.
Millions Benefit From Local Parks and Recreation
January 2025: More than 276 million people in the United States visited a local park or recreation facility last year.
Essential Roles in Conservation Efforts
December 2024: Conservation is viewed as an essential role of park and recreation professionals.
Support for Monitoring Systems
November 2024: The public supports their local parks and recreation collecting data from monitoring systems.
Employee Benefits That Benefit All
October 2024: Fringe benefits may be thought of as non-traditional, but many can be found by the employees at local park and recreation agencies.
Parks and Recreation Center Community Representation
September 2024: The importance of parks and recreation leaders and other local government officials reflecting the community they serve.
Parks and Recreation: A Home for Farmers Markets
August 2024: Nearby access to farmers markets increase the likelihood of the public visiting.
Relieving Stress Through Parks and Recreation
July 2024: Parks and rec provide excellent spaces and activities to help you relax and de-stress.
Fostering Friendships Through Group Activity
June 2024: Parks and rec offer a wide variety of group activities to keep youth
Discovering New Hobbies
May 2024: You can always learn a new hobby or skill at your local parks and rec.
Informing the Local Community
April 2024: Getting the word out about events and programs takes all forms
Finding Your Green Thumb
March 2024: Parks and recreation are leading providers of community gardening opportunities.
At Peace in Local Parks
February 2024: Visiting parks and participating in recreational activities can improve mood and boost energy. Not only do parks and recreation provide opportunities for physical health, but they also provide mental health benefits too.
Parks and Recreation in the New Year
January 2024: Parks and recreation help people fulfill their New Year’s goals of physical and emotional wellness.
Explore the Park Pulse Archive
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 Melissa May.
Contact Us
For more information about NRPA Park Pulse:
- Questions about polls and methodology, contact Melissa May.
- For media inquiries, contact Danielle Doll.
Getting the word out about events and programs takes all forms.