Adaptive and Inclusive Programming is Essential to Communities

Nearly nine in 10 U.S. adults want local park and recreation agencies to provide adaptive and inclusive recreation programming, according to the latest National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Park Pulse Poll. Adaptive and inclusive programs can incorporate modifications to timing or movement, individualized instruction, or necessary equipment to ensure all may participate.

Key Findings:

• Nearly 90 percent of U.S. adults agree it is important that local park and recreation agencies create and provide recreation programming that is adaptive and inclusive so persons of all abilities may participate
• Two-thirds of U.S. adults agree it is very or extremely important that local park and recreation agencies create and provide recreation programming that is adaptive and inclusive so persons of all abilities may participate

“Centering equity in all that we do ensures that parks and recreation remains accessible, inclusive, engaging and culturally relevant to the communities that their agencies serve,” said Kevin Roth, NRPA vice president of research, evaluation and technology. “Inequity is a pressing challenge facing our nation, and parks and recreation can make a profound difference.”

Park and recreation professionals strive to bring programming and opportunities to everyone in their community — regardless of ability. According to NRPA’s 2021 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Parks and Recreation report, 74 percent of agencies offer programming and activities for individuals with physical disabilities and 62 percent offer programming and activities for people with cognitive disabilities.

For more information on how park and recreation professionals can ensure their programming is adaptive and inclusive, click here.

To view the interactive charts with the survey results, click here.

To view the full-size infographic, click here.

Each month, through a poll of 1,000 U.S. residents focused on park and recreation issues, NRPA Park Pulse helps tell the park and recreation story. To learn more about NRPA’s Park Pulse and see results from previous polls, click here.

###

About the National Recreation and Park Association

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With more than 60,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and advocates — the catalysts for positive change in service of equity, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being. For more information, visit nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit parksandrecreation.org.