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.
2023
December 2023
Parks and recreation provide wellness and fitness activity options both outside and inside during the winter months.
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November 2023
Parks and recreation provide environmental support or natural disaster prevention methods in local communities.
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October 2023
Access to parks and recreation are among the items considered when choosing a place to live.
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September 2023
All members of the community should feel they belong at the local parks.
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August 2023
Activities and Opportunities For Older Adults
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July 2023
Activities and events are key to bringing a community close.
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June 2023
Access to recreation opportunities is important for leading a healthy life.
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May 2023
Ensure playground safety through dedicated local government funding.
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April 2023
Parks and recreation excel in implementing sustainable measures throughout their communities.
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March 2023
Skill and finances should not be a barrier for youth to play sports.
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February 2023
When weather puts a damper on outdoor fitness routines, parks and recreation provides indoor activities to keep everyone moving.
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January 2023
Affordable recreation options available through your local parks and recreation.
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2022
December 2022
Look to your local parks and recreation for your holiday-themed activities and events.
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November 2022
Adaptive programming creates opportunities for all to participate.
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October 2022
Youth have access to a vast array of offerings at their local park and recreation agency when school is not in session.
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September 2022
Parks and recreation strive to provide access to local food options in the community.
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August 2022
Political candidates that show strong support for funding parks and recreation are more likely to get the vote.
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July 2022
Having access to the outdoors and nature is an asset to individuals and families in times of stress.
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June 2022
Ensure all people — regardless of background or abilities — can fairly participate in parks and recreation.
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May 2022
Learning first-aid in school and work can help save a life.
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April 2022
Start teaching children early to be good environmental stewards in their communities.
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March 2022
Adults agree on the importance of youth having equitable access to sports opportunities.
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February 2022
Teenagers and young adults benefit from first jobs in a variety of ways.
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January 2022
Achieve your health and wellness goals with the help of your local park and recreation agency.
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2021
December 2021
Gifts associated with the outdoors are big this holiday season.
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November 2021
Parks and Recreation Link Our Lives Through Trails
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October 2021
Just 20 minutes a day outside reduces stress. How long do adults spend outside daily?
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September 2021
Sharing outdoor open spaces for increased recreation opportunities.
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August 2021
Childhood memories of the beach, park and playground are shared with the next generation.
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July 2021
U.S. adults want their local governments to invest in community infrastructure.
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June 2021
U.S. adults find activities offered by local park and recreation agencies benefit their mental health.
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May 2021
There is something outside for everyone to enjoy.
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April 2021
Park and recreation professionals play a vital role in the protection of our environment.
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March 2021
Many young adults’ first-ever job is at the local park and recreation agency.
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February 2021
Parks and recreation provide vital resources for physical activity.
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January 2021
Park and recreation professionals provide important mentorship to youth.
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2020
December 2020
Volunteer opportunities for all ages exist through local park and recreation agencies.
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November 2020
Local parks, campgrounds and greenspaces provide great opportunities for families and friends to gather this fall and winter.
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October 2020
U.S. adults want their local government to dedicate funds through revenues, taxes and levies that directly support parks and recreation.
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September 2020
Fair and just access to high-quality park and rec programs, services and facilities create healthy, resilient and economically vibrant communities.
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August 2020
More than half to the U.S. are planning their summer vacation close to home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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July 2020
Adults want children to have access to the summertime programs and services like those provided by local park and recreation agencies.
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June 2020
Local park and recreation professionals and their agencies offer a wide variety of virtual classes and courses geared to people of all ages and abilities.
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May 2020
Local parks, trails and open spaces are more important than ever to our mental and physical health.
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April 2020
Park and recreation professionals play a vital role in teaching conservation efforts to children. Learning to reduce waste through recycling, reusable bags, composting and limiting single-use products is a top priority conservation effort for all children to learn.
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March 2020
Local government investments in parks and recreation promote economic activity.
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February 2020
The public supports local government providing resources for nutrition assistance to low-income families.
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January 2020
Stay active this winter at your local parks and recreation center.
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2019
December 2019
Park and recreation agencies sponsor holiday events that can be enjoyed by all members of the community.
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November 2019
Local parks are a popular spot for people of all ages to volunteer.
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October 2019
An overwhelming majority of people find before- and afterschool programs hosted by park and recreation agencies important.
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September 2019
Ninety-one percent of residents are interested in attending nighttime park activities.
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August 2019
Eighty-five percent of Americans want their local government to fund park and rec improvement projects.
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July 2019
Nine in 10 Americans find their favorite outdoor recreation activities hosted by their park and recreation agencies.
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June 2019
Park and recreation agencies deliver easy access to low/no-cost fitness and educational opportunities.
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May 2019
Cost is a top factor when Americans Register for Recreational Team Sports.
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April 2019
Park and recreation agencies and their facilities can play a role in the response and recovery efforts during natural disasters.
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March 2019
Parks and other natural areas provide health benefits to those that visit.
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February 2019
Americans agree nearly unanimously that learning to swim at an early age is important.
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January 2019
Americans agree on special efforts for pollinators but are unsure of how they can personally help.
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2018
December 2018
The holiday season can look very different depending on where you live in the US, but parks are always an option.
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November 2018
Pets are an extension of our families and, being as such, having a safe place for them to play is important.
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October 2018
Americans agree that their local government should increase the availability of out-of-school options for families of all incomes.
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September 2018
Most Americans believe access to locally grown fresh produce is important.
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August 2018
There are plenty of activities you and your family can enjoy this summer without breaking the bank.
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July 2018
Parents and millennials agree, merging tech and nature would increase children’s desire to go to their local parks.
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June 2018
Americans tend to take a walk around their neighborhood when wanting to lower their stress levels.
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May 2018
Teaching kids where their food comes from and how to grow their own is extremely valuable.
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April 2018
Protecting pollinators and increasing pollinator habitat should be a conservation priority.
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March 2018
Americans look to their community to provide inclusive play options to all children.
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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.
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January 2018
Parks and recreation centers provide a welcome relief to beat those winter blues.
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2017
December 2017
Holiday light displays, parades and festivals bring families to events sponsored by their parks and recreation agency.
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November, 2017
Americans head to their local parks and trails when the doctor wants them to be more active.
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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.
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September, 2017
Americans overwhelming agree the right to peacefully assemble in parks and other public spaces is important.
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August, 2017
Nearly half of all Americans prefer vacation destinations that are secluded and relaxing.
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July, 2017
Adults of all ages are spending time engaged in outdoor play each week in America.
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June, 2017
Americans head outside for their walking pleasure.
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May, 2017
Financial difficulties resulted in close to 100 million Americans experiencing food insecurity over the past year.
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April, 2017
Americans look to their local government to make environmental initiatives a priority.
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March, 2017
Americans support a proposal allowing HSA and FSA money to be used for fitness programs and recreation costs.
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February, 2017
Americans say it is important for the local government to set aside land to preserve the natural landscape.
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January, 2017
Americans prefer to stay physically active this winter by walking, running, and hiking outside.
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2016
December, 2016
Three in four Americans intend to purchase gifts associated with outdoor activities this holiday season.
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November, 2016
Healthy food and drink options while on-the-go should be made more accessible, say most Americans.
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October, 2016
A new online survey finds Americans support NRPA’s position in prohibiting the use of tobacco products in public areas.
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September, 2016
Americans overwhelmingly agree that children need more physical activity opportunities.
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August, 2016
Watching Olympic and other sports athletes inspire many to be more active on their own says the latest NRPA poll.
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July, 2016
NRPA poll shows most Americans have attended or will be attending one or more outdoor summer events in their community this summer.
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June, 2016
NRPA identifies the activities enjoyed the most outside in the summer through the latest poll.
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May, 2016
NRPA poll shows Zika to alter the outdoor plans of many Americans this summer.
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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:
Providing Vital Youth Services
h Schools for Greater Access
Summer Means Happy Memories
Investing in Parks and Recreation 
Mental Health Benefits of Parks and Recreation
Outdoor Activities for All This Spring and Summer
Create New Traditions in Parks this Season
Virtual Recreation Resources Available
Economic Benefits Found in Park and Recreation Investments
