NEWS RELEASES
Are Parks & Recreation A Stress Reliever For You?
Editor's Note: This news item was retrieved and first published through NRPA's website.
ASHBURN, Va. -- According to a recent poll conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and in conjunction with its Park Pulse program, more than half (58 percent) of Americans manage their daily stress by going for a walk or run around their neighborhood. Others rely on their local parks, which are free and accessible to all, to relieve stress. “Parks are a terrific place to get healthy and relieve stress,” said Barbara Tulipane, NRPA president and CEO. “Everyone, no matter their age, should take advantage of the physical and mental health benefits that parks provide.” NRPA’s Park Pulse is a continuing series of monthly surveys that gauge the public’s opinion on topics relating to parks and recreation.
Derived from the NRPA survey, it was found that while nearly three in five Americans head out for a walk or jog outdoors, approximately 36% hit hiking trails and another 35% are going to the local park solo, with friends or family, or with pets. Millennials (89 percent) and Gen Xers a.k.a their parents (90 percent) are more likely to do any of these activities to manage their daily stress compared to Americans overall (84 percent). Baby boomers are more likely to head to the garden to relieve stress. Living close to parks and other recreation facilities is consistently related to higher physical activity levels for both adults and youth. Moreover, parks provide a connection to nature, which studies demonstrate relieves stress levels, tightens interpersonal relationships and improves mental health.
For the full press release, and infographic and charts depicting the survey results, click here.