New NRPA Poll Reveals the Park Amenities Residents Value Most

Ashburn, VA (July 15, 2026)

As millions of people continue to rely on local parks and recreation spaces to support their health, well-being and quality of life, a new National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Park Pulse poll highlights the amenities people value most when visiting their local parks.

According to the latest Park Pulse poll, seating and shade are among the most important park amenities for U.S. adults, followed closely by open green space and trails. In 2025, an estimated 227 million U.S. adults, or a member of their household, visited a local park or recreation facility (2025 NRPA Engagement With Parks Report). When coupled together, these findings reinforce the importance of designing parks that are welcoming, comfortable and accessible for all people and demonstrate the critical infrastructure role that parks have in communities.

Key Findings:

  • The top three most important park amenities to the public are:
    • Seating/Shade
    • Open green space
    • Trails
  • Parents consider playgrounds to be the most important park amenity.
  • Millennials and Gen Zers are most likely to list playgrounds among their top park features.

“These findings underscore the need for continued investments in parks and recreation,” said Dianne Palladino, NRPA director of research and evaluation. “Parks serve as important places for people in their communities — creating spaces where people can gather, play, exercise and recharge. Whether it’s a shaded bench, an open field, a walking trail or a playground, thoughtfully designed amenities help ensure parks remain welcoming destinations that serve all needs for every community.”

To view the full-size infographic, click here.

To learn more about the 2025 NRPA Engagement With Parks Report, click here.

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 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.