The Impact of Parks in
Our Communities
Parks are more than just green spaces—they are essential to the health and well-being of our communities. They provide opportunities for recreation, foster social connections, and promote environmental stewardship. As cities continue to expand, the need for accessible and diverse outdoor spaces becomes even more crucial, ensuring that everyone can enjoy nature, stay active, and build a stronger community together.
Download the Indiana Parks Impact Study
Parks Impact People
Nearly 91% of respondents surveyed agreed that visiting parks positively impacted their mental health
85% agreed that their local parks positively impacted the quality of their community
77% agreed that visiting a park improved their social health
72% of people aged 30-49 go to parks with their children
87% reported a positive impact on their physical health
Individuals aged 50-69 were most likely to go to parks alone or with pets
Parks help fuel the Economy
Indiana outdoor recreation economy added $15.7 billion to Indiana's GPD in 2023
Indiana parks have created over 9,000 jobs annually for Hoosiers since 2013.
Parks combat
Climate Change
Parks can be part of the climate solution through….
COOLING
Trees reduce temperatures by providing shade for the earth, plants, animals, and humans
PROTECTING
Parks protect people and infrastructure from increasingly severe storms, sea-level rise, heat waves and droughts
CONNECTING
Animals, birds, and insects alike connect to greenspaces for sources of food, shelter and water
ABSORBING
Trees, shrubs, and plants help absorb pollution and improve air quality by filtering the air
From our Executive Director
Lisa Nye, Indiana Park and Recreation Association
Welcome to the IPRA Indiana Parks Impact Study Report
In 2022, the IPRA Board recognized the need for stronger tools to help educate citizens and public officials about the vital role parks play in enhancing the quality of life in our communities. To address this, they formed a Public Awareness Campaign Steering Committee and hired a consultant to engage IPRA members through focus groups. The goal was to identify the data and resources needed to better communicate the importance of parks.
In 2023, The Polis Center at Indiana University, Indianapolis, was selected to develop credible, research-based data, compelling visualizations, and cohesive branding to support this effort. The result of their work is presented in the enclosed IPRA Parks Impact Study Report.
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