Proximity to parks and recreation services is important when choosing a future place to live

According to the National Recreation and Park Association’s (NRPA) latest Park Pulse poll, 84 percent of U.S. adults say proximity to high-quality parks, playgrounds, open spaces or other recreation facilities is important when choosing a neighborhood or area in which to live. More than 60 percent say distance to these features is “extremely” or “very” important in their choice of residence. A desire to live near high-quality park and recreation opportunities is common across nearly every segment of the U.S. population with strongest consideration being taken by millennials, working adults, those identifying as non-white, those in the Northeast and people currently living near a park.

• Key Findings:
  • Eighty-four percent of U.S. adults indicate proximity to high-quality parks, playgrounds, open spaces or other recreation facilities is important when choosing a neighborhood or area in which to live.
  • Ninety-three percent of millennials, parents and very active individuals consider proximity to high-quality parks, playgrounds, open spaces or other recreation facilities is important when choosing a neighborhood or area in which to live.
  • More than 60 percent of U.S. adults note proximity to high-quality parks, playgrounds, open spaces or other recreation facilities is extremely or very important when choosing a neighborhood or area in which to live.
  • Eighty percent of millennials indicate proximity to high-quality parks, playgrounds, open spaces or other recreation facilities is extremely or very important when choosing a neighborhood or area in which to live.

“Park and recreation spaces are places where residents can play, unwind and connect,” said Kevin Roth, NRPA vice president of research, evaluation and technology. “It is important that these spaces be desirable to do so and are adequately developed, maintained and funded. Everyone should have access to a great park.”

 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.

To learn more about NRPA, visit nrpa.org.

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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.