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.

2020

August 2020: Take a Vacation at Your Local ParksEquitable Access to Parks and Recreation

September 2020
Fair and just access to high-quality park and rec programs, services and facilities create healthy, resilient and economically vibrant communities.

Read Key Findings


August 2020: Take a Vacation at Your Local ParksTake a Vacation at Your Local Parks

August 2020
More than half to the U.S. are planning their summer vacation close to home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 Read Key Findings

 


July 2020: Essential Summertime ActivitiesEssential Summertime Activities

July 2020
Adults want children to have access to the summertime programs and services like those provided by local park and recreation agencies.

 Read Key Findings

 


Virtual Recreation Resources Available

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.

Read Key Findings

 

The Essential Need for Parks

May 2020
Local parks, trails and open spaces are more important than ever to our mental and physical health.

Read Key Findings

 

Conservation Efforts at Any Age

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.

Read Key Findings

 

Economic Benefits Found in Park and Recreation Investments

March 2020
Local government investments in parks and recreation promote economic activity.

Read Key Findings



Park Pulse: February 2020: Park and Recreation Professionals Work to Provide Nutrition Assistance to the Most Vulnerable

Park and Recreation Professionals Work to Provide Nutrition Assistance to the Most Vulnerable

February 2020
The public supports local government providing resources for nutrition assistance to low-income families.

 Read Key Findings

 

Park Pulse: January 2020: Don’t Let Your Activity Level Dip with the TemperaturesDon’t Let Your Activity Level Dip with the Temperatures

January 2020
Stay active this winter at your local parks and recreation center.

 Read Key Findings

 

 

2019

Park Pulse: December 2019: A Season Filled with Events for EveryoneA Season Filled with Events for Everyone

December 2019
Park and recreation agencies sponsor holiday events that can be enjoyed by all members of the community.

 Read Key Findings

 


Park Pulse: November 2019: Volunteer Opportunities in ParksVolunteer Opportunities Available in Parks

November 2019
Local parks are a popular spot for people of all ages to volunteer.

 Read Key Findings

 


Park Pulse: October 2019: Parks and Recreation: The Leaders in Before- and After-School CareParks and Recreation: The Leaders in Before- and Afterschool Care

October 2019
An overwhelming majority of people find before- and afterschool programs hosted by park and recreation agencies important.

 Read Key Findings

 


Park Pulse: September 2019: Parks Come Alive at NightParks Come Alive at Night

September 2019
Ninety-one percent of residents are interested in attending nighttime park activities.

 Read Key Findings

 

 


Park Pulse: August 2019: Keeping Up with Revitalization ProjectsKeeping Up with Revitalization Projects

August 2019
Eighty-five percent of Americans want their local government to fund park and rec improvement projects.

 Read Key Findings

 


Park Pulse: July 2019: Americans Top Outdoor Recreation ActivitiesWho Doesn’t Like a Good Picnic?

July 2019
Nine in 10 Americans find their favorite outdoor recreation activities hosted by their park and recreation agencies.

 Read Key Findings

 


Park Pulse: June 2019: Recreation and Community Centers Enhance the CommunityRecreation and Community Centers Enhance the Community

June 2019
Park and recreation agencies deliver easy access to low/no-cost fitness and educational opportunities.

 Read Key Findings

 


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

 


Park Pulse: October 2018: Making a Goal of Affordable Out-of-School Time ProgrammingMaking 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

 


Park Pulse: September 2018: Locate Your Nearest Farmers MarketLocate Your Nearest Farmers Market

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

Read Key Findings

 


Park Pulse: August 2018: Make a Vacation of Your Local ParksMake 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

 


Park Pulse: July 2018: Drawing Kids to Nature Through TechDrawing 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

 


Park Pulse: June 2018: Walking Manages StressWalking Manages Stress

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

Read Key Findings

 


Park Pulse: May 2018: Lessons in the Community GardenLessons 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

 


Park Pulse: April 2018: Protecting pollinators and increasing pollinator habitat should be a conservation priority.Protect the Health of Pollinators

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

Read Key Findings

 


Park Pulse: March 2018: Providing Play Spaces to All AbilitiesProviding Play Spaces to All Abilities

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

Read Key Findings

 


Park Pulse: February 2018: Educating the Public Through Healthy Eating and Cooking ClassesEducating 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

 


Park Pulse: January 2018: Beat the Winter Blues Through Exercise and Social ConnectionsBeat 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


Park Pulse: December 2017: Attending Community Events this Holiday SeasonAttending 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

 


Park Pulse: November 2017: Doctor’s Orders: Get More Physically ActiveDoctor’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 SpacesAssembling 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 VacationersDestinations 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 PriorityMaking 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 ParkAmericans Walk in the Park

June, 2017
Americans head outside for their walking pleasure.

Read Key Findings

 


Millions of Americans Touched by Food InsecurityMillions 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 InitiativesPrioritizing Environmental Initiatives

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

Read Key Findings

 


Use Your Pre-Tax SavingsUse 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 LandscapesPreserving 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 WinterAmericans 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 Gift of Outdoor ActivitiesGiving 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

 


Healthy Snack OptionsProviding 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 AreasFour 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 OpportunitiesProviding Kids with Physical Activity Opportunities

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

Read Key Findings

 


Motivation Through ObservationMotivation 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

 


fireworksSee 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

 


picnicAmericans' Favorite Activities

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

Read Key Findings

 


zikaZika 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:

 

News Stories

9.22.22Top Story

Urban green spaces linked to lower crime, study finds

9.22.22Around the Country

Cleanups, special beer to mark National Public Lands Day

9.22.22Around the Country

Parks' resilience benefits go beyond the environment