14 | 2024 National Recreation and Park Association PROGRAMMING Park and recreation agencies offer a wide breadth of activities and programming to their community members. These offerings strive to promote better physical and emotional health and well-being. Much of this programming follows NRPA’s Three Pillars: Health and Wellness, Equity and Conservation. While some programs are targeted to certain age groups (i.e., children or older adults), the goal of parks and recreation is to have inclusive and safe spaces for all community members. By providing affordable programming and safe spaces to gather, park and recreation agencies enable their community members to interact with others, encouraging socialization and connection. To meet the diverse needs and desires of community members, park and recreation agencies must provide a wide array of accessible and affordable programming. Programming can be activities, events, clubs or other types of group activities. Most agencies offer themed special events (89 percent), social recreation events (88 percent) and team sports (86 percent). More than three-quarters of agencies also offer other programming, such as fitness enhancement classes, health and wellness education and individual sports. Other key programming activities offered by at least half of agencies include: • Racquet sports (73 percent of agencies) • Safety training (70 percent) • Aquatics (68 percent) • Natural and cultural history activities (66 percent) • Cultural crafts (63 percent) • Visual arts (63 percent) • Trips and tours (62 percent) • Performing arts (62 percent) • Martial arts (56 percent) • Running/Cycling races (53 percent) A new playground is installed in Lorain, Ohio. PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF LORAIN (OHIO) PARKS AND RECREATION
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