NRPA Park Pulse Surveys, Archive | National Recreation and Park Association

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.

2019

Top Factors Considered When Registering for Recreational Sports

May 2019
Cost is a top factor when Americans Register for Recreational Team Sports.

Read Key Findings

Providing Support During a Natural Disaster

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

Find Health Benefits at Your Local Park

March 2019
Parks and other natural areas provide health benefits to those that visit.

Read Key Findings

Just Get Swimming

February 2019
Americans agree nearly unanimously that learning to swim at an early age is important.

Read Key Findings

Parks Play a Vital Role in Saving Pollinators

January 2019
Americans agree on special efforts for pollinators but are unsure of how they can personally help.

Read Key Findings

2018

Sand, Snow and Everywhere In Between

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

Providing a Place for Pooch to Play

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

Making a Goal of Affordable Out-of-School Time Programming

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

Locate Your Nearest Farmers Market

September 2018
Most Americans believe access to locally grown fresh produce is important.

Read Key Findings

Make a Vacation of Your Local Parks

August 2018
There are plenty of activities you and your family can enjoy this summer without breaking the bank.

Read Key Findings

Drawing Kids to Nature Through Tech

July 2018
Parents and millennials agree, merging tech and nature would increase children’s desire to go to their local parks.

Read Key Findings

Walking Manages Stress

June 2018
Americans tend to take a walk around their neighborhood when wanting to lower their stress levels.

Read Key Findings

Lessons in the Community Garden

May 2018
Teaching kids where their food comes from and how to grow their own is extremely valuable.

Read Key Findings

Protect the Health of Pollinators

April 2018
Protecting pollinators and increasing pollinator habitat should be a conservation priority.

Read Key Findings

Providing Play Spaces to All Abilities

March 2018
Americans look to their community to provide inclusive play options to all children.

Read Key Findings

Educating the Public Through Healthy Eating and Cooking Classes

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

Beat the Winter Blues Through Exercise and Social Connections

January 2018
Parks and recreation centers provide a welcome relief to beat those winter blues.

Read Key Findings

2017

Attending Community Events this Holiday Season

December 2017
Holiday light displays, parades and festivals bring families to events sponsored by their parks and recreation agency.

Read Key Findings

Doctor’s Orders: Get More Physically Active

November, 2017
Americans head to their local parks and trails when the doctor wants them to be more active.

Read Key Findings

Recreation Centers Role in Communities

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

Assembling in Public Spaces

September, 2017
Americans overwhelming agree the right to peacefully assemble in parks and other public spaces is important.

Read Key Findings

Destinations that Provide Relaxation Rank Highest for Vacationers

August, 2017
Nearly half of all Americans prefer vacation destinations that are secluded and relaxing.

Read Key Findings

Making Outdoor Play a Priority for Adults

July, 2017
Adults of all ages are spending time engaged in outdoor play each week in America.

Read Key Findings

Americans Walk in the Park

June, 2017
Americans head outside for their walking pleasure.

Read Key Findings

Millions of Americans Touched by Food Insecurity

May, 2017
Financial difficulties resulted in close to 100 million Americans experiencing food insecurity over the past year.

Read Key Findings

Prioritizing Environmental Initiatives

April, 2017
Americans look to their local government to make environmental initiatives a priority.

Read Key Findings

Use Your Pre-Tax Savings For Fitness and Recreation

March, 2017
Americans support a proposal allowing HSA and FSA money to be used for fitness programs and recreation costs.

Read Key Findings

Preserving Natural Landscapes

February, 2017
Americans say it is important for the local government to set aside land to preserve the natural landscape.

Read Key Findings

Americans Choose to Stay Active This Winter

January, 2017
Americans prefer to stay physically active this winter by walking, running, and hiking outside.

Read Key Findings

2016

Giving the Gift of Outdoor Activities

December, 2016
Three in four Americans intend to purchase gifts associated with outdoor activities this holiday season.

Read Key Findings

Providing Healthy Options in Public Spaces

November, 2016
Healthy food and drink options while on-the-go should be made more accessible, say most Americans.

Read Key Findings

Four in Five Americans Support Policies Banning Tobacco in Public Areas

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

Providing Kids with Physical Activity Opportunities

September, 2016
Americans overwhelmingly agree that children need more physical activity opportunities.

Read Key Findings

Motivation Through Observation

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

See You at the Park

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

Americans' Favorite Activities

June, 2016
NRPA identifies the activities enjoyed the most outside in the summer through the latest poll.

Read Key Findings

Zika Virus and Outdoor Spaces

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:

Questions about polls and methodology, contact Kevin Roth.
For media inquiries, contact Suzanne Nathan.