Parks and recreation are essential to the fabric of communities across the country, and new data makes that clearer than ever.

We’re excited to share the 2025 Engagement With Parks Report, which provides park and recreation professionals, supporters, and other key stakeholders with insights into how local park and recreation facilities impact the lives of people in every corner of the nation. The findings underscore a powerful and consistent truth: people need and value the spaces and programs that local park and recreation agencies deliver. In 2025, an estimated 227 million adults or a household member visited their local park or recreation facility. For the past nine years, our report has shown that hundreds of millions of people engage with parks and recreation, highlighting the crucial role it plays in our lives.

The report also examines how parks influence where people choose to live, access to parks and trails close to home, and why local parks and recreation are critical community infrastructure. 

Read The Report

This report reflects the interests of communities nationwide, making it a vital tool for agency leaders to make the case for increased funding and resources to meet the public’s needs.

Let this report be your guide and a champion for continued support and progress in your community.

NRPA Chief Research and Impact Officer