The survey results and analysis from a recent parks survey are now available. All parks and recreation agencies have experienced increased demand and declining resources, and the goal of the survey is to highlight the degree of change in the last year.
The project was a collaboration between AWC, the Washington Recreation & Park Association, the Washington State Association of Counties, and Metro Parks Tacoma.
Read the results and find interactive charts analyzing the responses. You can also filter agencies within the dashboards to view specific information to
your organization. Check out the executive summary.
Budget instability
Among the findings, the survey found that as of January 1 (before the pandemic), 93% of respondents believed their budget outlook for the year was at least level or moderately/very strong and stable. By August 1, that
level of confidence dropped to 51% of respondents.
Further, 58% of cities said that their parks budget outlook as of August 1 was moderately/significantly underfunded and unstable, with 22% indicating that reductions may be required.
In 2020, the average predicted overall rate of city parks budget reductions is 26%.
Parks facility usage goes up
65% of respondents indicated that unscheduled parks facility usage went up this year during the spring and summer months.
On top of increased usage, a large percentage of cities said that their parks were more difficult to care for during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 91% of cities say they experienced a reduced ability to operate
- 89% of cities say public use and behaviors put the community at risk
- 74% of cities say there was a reduced ability to hire employees and offer programs
Response rate
There was a 33% response rate that includes input from leaders in cities, counties, and parks and recreation special purpose districts. The survey focused on gathering data about service demand and operational challenges, both preceding and due to COVID-19.
Thanks to the partners and support from the collaborating agencies for conducting the survey!