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A new study from The Harris Poll for the TurfMutt Foundation finds that Americans overwhelmingly view green spaces as vital to their happiness, health, and sense of community. Nearly all adults (96%) say they use parks or other public green spaces for recreation, highlighting the deep role these environments play in daily life and family well-being.
Parks Are a Must-Have, Not a Luxury
The findings reveal a clear national consensus: Americans want access to nature where they live. Nearly nine in ten (89%) say that a strong public park system is one of the most important amenities in a community, and 92% want more or better maintained green spaces such as parks, schoolyards, dog parks, and sports fields.
According to Kris Kiser, President and CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, the message is simple: “Fall is an ideal time for getting outside. These spaces aren’t just beautiful; they are vital. They help reduce stress, improve mood, and give families a place to connect and recharge.”
The Heart of Family Recreation
Parks continue to serve as hubs for social connection and outdoor fun. The majority of Americans use public green spaces for activities like picnicking or dining outdoors (53%), letting dogs socialize (32%), and bringing kids to play (30%). In an era when screen time dominates, parks offer one of the last truly communal spaces for shared experiences.
Health and Happiness Go Hand in Hand
Nearly nine in ten Americans (89%) believe communities should prioritize public green space for health and well-being. Most visit parks for physical activity: whether walking or running (76%), playing or watching a sport (47%), working out (36%), or enjoying outdoor games (35%). These areas are not just recreational; they are preventive health infrastructure. The more people engage with outdoor environments, the better their physical and mental outcomes.
Valued Above Other Amenities
When choosing where to live, three in four Americans (75%) say they prioritize access to public green spaces over other amenities like indoor gyms or pools. Roughly the same share (74%) say they find parks more valuable than most other community features, underscoring how deeply ingrained outdoor access has become in the American lifestyle.
The TurfMutt Foundation has spent over 15 years championing this connection. Through partnerships with organizations like Scholastic and Discovery Education, the foundation teaches children and families how green spaces enrich both the environment and everyday life, encouraging Americans to “save the planet, one yard at a time.”
About the research
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of the TurfMutt Foundation in 2025 among a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults.
Learn more about the TurfMutt Foundation and the power of parks.
