Survey finds most U.S. adults believe parks, recreation essential

Eighty-two percent of U.S. adults believe that parks and recreation is essential, according to a newly released report from the National Recreation and Park Association.

The report shows the public’s affinity toward their local parks and recreation is strong, with U.S. residents visiting local park and recreation facilities more than twice a month on average.

The 2020 Engagement with Parks Report, based on a survey of 1,000 U.S. adults, also found that during the COVID-19 pandemic, parks and recreation has been a vital respite for people. Three in five U.S. residents — more than 190 million people — visited a park, trail, public open space or other recreation facility at least once during the first three months of the pandemic, and over half of U.S. residents maintained or increased park, trail and open space usage during those same months.

Other highlights from the report include:

◆ Seventy-two percent of U.S. adults are more likely to vote for local political leaders who make park and recreation funding a priority.

◆ Seventy-seven percent of U.S. adults consider having a high-quality park, playground, public open space or recreation center nearby an important factor in deciding where they want to live.

“People value the essential work performed by park and recreation professionals and their agencies,” said Kristine Stratton, president of the National Recreation and Park Association.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has proven that parks and recreation is fundamental to supporting the physical and mental health of people nationwide. For these reasons, people expect their local political leaders to provide the financial support needed to ensure these indispensable services continue to be available and are expanded to ensure all people have fair and just access to them.”