2026 NRPA Agency Performance Review shares key findings for park and recreation agencies
The 2026 Agency Performance Review, a report released by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), demonstrates the power of parks and recreation. The annual report is based on data collected from NRPA Park Metrics, the benchmarking resource that assists park and recreation professionals in the effective management and planning of their operating resources and capital facilities. Taken together, the 2026 NRPA Agency Performance Review and NRPA Park Metrics deliver the most comprehensive collection of park and recreation-related benchmarks and insights that apprise professionals, key stakeholders and the public about the state of the park and recreation industry.
New in 2026, the report includes updated infographics and highlights examples of real-life applications of the NRPA Agency Performance Review results by agency leaders facing common challenges. The report offers insights into staffing, budgets, park access, acreage, programming and more.
The 2026 NRPA Agency Performance Review outlines key metrics that enable park and recreation professionals to measure their outcomes against peer agencies and the country overall. Key findings from the report show that the typical park and recreation agency has:
- 2,437 residents per park.
- One playground for every 3,710 residents.
- 10 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents.
- 300 programs offered annually.
- 9.2 full-time equivalents per 10,000 residents.
- Operating expenditures per capita of $111.73.
- Revenue-to-operating expenditures (cost recovery) of 26 percent.
- Capital expenditures designated to improvements of 87 percent.
The report also shows that the typical agency has an estimated $1 million in deferred maintenance projects with the majority of staff (45%) on average dedicated to operations and maintenance. These realities highlight the critical importance of durable funding to sustain parks and recreation programs so communities can benefit from them for years to come.
“Park and recreation professionals understand the importance of knowing their communities. This knowledge allows them to balance growing needs with limited resources while continuing to deliver essential services that improve quality of life for all every single day,” says Garrett Warfield, NRPA chief research and impact officer. “This is why access to reliable data matters, and NRPA is happy to share this annual review.”
The 2026 NRPA Agency Performance Review’s key findings come from data provided by more than 850 park and recreation agencies in NRPA Park Metrics. The report supports the park and recreation industry by allowing agencies to evaluate their performance against their peers, validate the need for resources and funding, and gain a greater understanding of the current state of the field nationwide. Combined with other resources — such as NRPA’s Engagement With Parks Report, The Economic Impact of Local Parks report and Park Pulse polls — this data can help park and recreation professionals receive the support they need to provide services that meet the unique needs of their communities.
To view the report, interactive tables and customizable reports, visit nrpa.org/APR.
To learn more about NRPA, visit nrpa.org.
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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 68,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and supporters — the catalysts for positive change in service of parks for all, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being. For more information, visit nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit parksandrecreation.org.