Better data means better parks—complete IPRA’s Parks Data Survey today.
Help Indiana Park and Recreation Association build a clear, statewide picture of how parks support health, quality of life, and local economies, information that legislators and funding agencies rely on.
Our Goal
The goal is to ensure that every park system—large, medium, and small—is accurately represented in the statewide data that informs advocacy efforts, funding opportunities, and policy decisions. By capturing a complete picture of parks across Indiana, we can make sure all communities have a voice in shaping the resources and support they receive.
Every park system, regardless of size, plays a critical role in health, economy, and quality of life.
Why is IPRA/IPRF doing this?
To build a credible, statewide, data-backed case showing how parks support:
Public health
Community quality of life
Economic vitality
Equity and access
And Combat Climate Change
Why does the data matter?
Parks that are not counted are often not prioritized. Indiana currently lacks a complete, centralized picture of its public park systems, which makes it harder to advocate for funding, policy support, and long-term investment.
Why does this help park agencies?
Better data leads to stronger advocacy, improved funding opportunities, and clearer justification for local investment, especially for small and mid-sized agencies that may otherwise be overlooked.
Your Questions, Answered
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Yes. Most Indiana parks are local parks, and smaller agencies are the most likely to be underrepresented without statewide data.
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That’s okay. High-level, best-available information is sufficient. This is not an evaluation.
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Stronger advocacy, better grant justification, improved visibility, and a clearer statewide narrative that benefits all park systems.
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The data is used in aggregate to tell a statewide story about the importance and impact of parks. It is not used to rank, audit, or evaluate individual agencies. The goal is to help IPRA, legislators, and partner organizations better understand the collective value of parks across Indiana.
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We understand time is limited. The survey is designed to be completed with high-level, best-available information, and even partial responses are helpful. Most agencies can complete it in a short amount of time, and IPRA staff are available to help if needed.
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No. This effort intends to demonstrate the need and impact, not to compare agencies or justify reductions. In fact, the data helps show where additional investment and support are needed, particularly in communities with limited resources.
TAKE THE SURVEY TODAY
Completing the survey helps strengthen advocacy for parks, supports future funding opportunities, and ensures your community is included in statewide conversations.