PPB March 2021

Some state and national parks saw record- breaking turnout last year. For example, the National Park Service reports that Yellowstone National Park logged its busiest-ever September with more than 800,000 visitors— up 21 percent from the previous year. Even before the pandemic, parks were beloved by community members, with four in five U.S. adults saying that parks and recreation are essential, according to the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). For 77 percent of people, access to a high-quality park, playground, public open space or recreation center is an important deciding factor on where to live. Nearly three- quarters (73 percent) of Americans are also more likely to vote for local political leaders who prioritize park and recreation funding. The benefits of venturing to a park are many, and you don’t even need to do anything once you get there. A study in the International Journal of Environmental Health Research reveals that spending just 20 minutes in a park or green space—even just sitting on a park bench—is enough to elevate mood and reduce stress. With nearly eight in 10 adults saying the pandemic is a major source of stress in their life, according to the American Psychological Association, parks provide a way to boost their physical, emotional and mental well-being. Read on to learn how parks departments and recreation centers can use promotional products to create happier, healthier and more connected communities. Market Snapshot The United States has about one park per every 2,281 residents, according to the NRPA. However, not everyone has easy access to them. Bloomberg reports that approximately 100 million people (including 28 million children) are not within a 10-minute walking distance of a park. Those who live near a park may find it overgrown, vandalized or in need of repair. While most parks and recreation agencies rely on taxpayer support and generated revenue, many do not receive sufficient funding. Promotional products distributors can work with city officials and nonprofit park foundations on fundraising campaigns to reinvigorate parks and ensure that community members have access to recreation facilities and programming. One trend to watch this year is the continuation of virtual programs. Last year, many parks adapted to stay-at-home mandates by offering virtual resources ranging from online fitness classes to virtual sightseeing tours. This year, the NRPA predicts that dozens of park and recreation agencies will stream their live youth sports events, allowing families to watch games from the socially-distanced safety of their vehicles. For families on the fence about joining sports leagues again, promotional campaigns promoting safety protocols and the benefits of staying active could be a way to get their athletes back in the game. GROW | MARCH 2021 | 51