Park and recreation professionals and their agencies protect the health of all people and the communities where they live, learn, work and play. Across the country, park and recreation professionals have transformed themselves into public health leaders — meeting community members where they are and connecting them to needed health opportunities. They have expanded programming and worked to fill gaps in access to physical activity, healthy food, chronic disease prevention and management, and social connections, as well as support academic and cultural enrichment opportunities.

Key Findings

• Nine in 10 park and recreation agencies take specific actions to ensure their health and wellness programs and services promote health equity
• Eighty-four percent of park and recreation agencies offer in-person fitness and exercise programs
• Seventy-two percent of park and recreation agencies offer virtual fitness and exercise programs
• Park and recreation agencies are leaders in addressing public health threats, such as physical inactivity, chronic diseases, social isolation and loneliness, and food access.

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