Access digital copies of guides and regulations publications from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Issue link: http://digital.outdoornebraska.gov/i/1539544
2025–2030 SCORP 31 DEMAND National Trends National trends in outdoor recreation give perspective as to what is going on across the country. Understanding nationwide outdoor recreation trends gives a "big picture" place to begin when assessing local demand. The 2024 Outdoor Participation Trends Report by the Outdoor Foundation gives an overview of national data. A record 175.8 million people participated in outdoor recreation in 2023, a 4.1% increase from the previous year. Of all Americans six years of age and older, this represents 57.3%. People of color, women and older adults have all become more involved in outdoor recreation. The drawback is that even though more people are going outside, they are doing so less regularly. The average annual number of outdoor recreation activities per person is at its lowest level in more than a decade. In 2012, the average number of outdoor outings per person, per year was 87.4. In 2023, the average dropped to 62.5 per year. The data on declining frequency of participation indicates opportunities to encourage people to participate more and to engage new participants. These top five are the same national trends reported in the 2020 SCORP, but the order has changed. The percentage of the population that participated increased for all activities except running, jogging and trail running – which was previously the most participated-in category at 19%. Five percent more Americans are Day Hiking than in the last SCORP. It is important to note that three of the top five directly utilize trails. As participation in hiking increases nationwide, communities should consider the opportunities they have locally to provide for this activity. The National Recreation and Park Association's (NRPA) 2023 Engagement with Parks Report shares information on how local parks and recreation facilities impact the lives of everyone in the nation. • 84% of U.S. adults seek nearby high-quality parks and recreation when choosing a place to live. • 9 in 10 people agree that parks and recreation is an important service provided by their local government. • 88% of U.S. adults agree it is vital for their local park and recreation agencies to engage with every member of their communities to ensure offerings meet their needs. • Visiting parks and trails are the favorite activities reported in the study survey. The NRPA Report also addressed the key reasons people go to parks. • 50% - To be with family or friends • 47% - To have a break from day-to-day stress • 46% - To exercise or be physically fit • 46% - To be closer to nature National level data should be considered when beginning the process of understanding local community trends and needs. It can be used as a tool when speaking with community members to communicate the nationwide importance of outdoor recreation. This will help guide the process for determining what outdoor recreation amenities should be developed. 2023 Top Five Outdoor Recreation Activities Most Participated In (% of the total population aged six and older) Nebraska Outdoor Recreation Survey conducted by UNL-BOSR (2024) 1. Day Hiking - 20% 2. Fishing (Fly/Saltwater/ Freshwater) - 18.2% 3. Running, Jogging, and Trail Running - 17.9% 4. Camping (Car, Backyard, and RV) - 17.7% 5. Bicycling (Road/Mountain/BMX) - 17.2% Engagement of new and current participants requires us to get to know them and learn about their motivations for participation in outdoor recreation activities. DRAF T