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.

 

Featured Park Pulse

Person examines produce while shopping at farmers marketThe Value of Local Community Activities

July 2025: Community activities are valuable to local families.

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Recent Park Pulse Findings

 

Doctor RecommendedDoctor Recommended

May 2025: Healthcare providers make suggestions for physical and mental health that occur at home and in parks.

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Investing in Environmental Resiliency

April 2025: Parks and recreation play vital roles during emergencies and should be funded appropriately to handle such times. 

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Why do People Go To Parks?

March 2025: There is something for everyone at their local park.

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Encouraging Girls in Sports

February 2025: Agreement on the importance of encouraging girls to participate in sports as they enter middle school and high school. 

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Millions Benefit From Local Parks and Recreation

January 2025: More than 276 million people in the United States visited a local park or recreation facility last year.

 

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Parks and Recreation: A Home for Farmers MarketsEssential Roles in Conservation Efforts

December 2024: Conservation is viewed as an essential role of park and recreation professionals.

 

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Parks and Recreation: A Home for Farmers MarketsSupport for Monitoring Systems

November 2024: The public supports their local parks and recreation collecting data from monitoring systems.

 

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Parks and Recreation: A Home for Farmers MarketsEmployee Benefits That Benefit All

October 2024
Fringe benefits may be thought of as non-traditional, but many can be found by the employees at local park and recreation agencies.

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Parks and Recreation: A Home for Farmers MarketsParks and Recreation Center Community Representation

September 2024
The importance of parks and recreation leaders and other local government officials reflecting the community they serve.

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Parks and Recreation: A Home for Farmers MarketsParks and Recreation: A Home for Farmers Markets

August 2024
Nearby access to farmers markets increase the likelihood of the public visiting.

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Relieving Stress Through Parks and RecreationRelieving Stress Through Parks and Recreation

July 2024
Parks and rec provide excellent spaces and activities to help you relax and de-stress.

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PArk PulseFostering Friendships Through Group Activity

June 2024
Parks and rec offer a wide variety of group activities to keep youth

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PArk PulseDiscovering New Hobbies

May 2024
You can always learn a new hobby or skill at your local parks and rec.

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Informing the Local CommunityInforming the Local Community

April 2024
Getting the word out about events and programs takes all forms

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At Peace in Local Parks

Finding Your Green Thumb

March 2024
Parks and recreation are leading providers of community gardening opportunities.

 

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At Peace in Local ParksAt Peace in Local Parks

February 2024
Visiting parks and participating in recreational activities can improve mood and boost energy. Not only do parks and recreation provide opportunities for physical health, but they also provide mental health benefits too.

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Parks and Recreation in the New YearParks and Recreation in the New Year

January 2024
Parks and recreation help people fulfill their New Year’s goals of physical and emotional wellness.

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Explore the Park Pulse Archive

 

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.

 

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For more information about NRPA Park Pulse:

 

·       Getting the word out about events and programs takes all forms. 

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