TurfMutt Research Proves Power of Parks

New research conducted by The Harris Poll for the TurfMutt Foundation reveals the undeniable power of public parks with 89% of Americans considering a good public park system a top community amenity. Nearly all Americans (96%), according to the research, utilize public green spaces, like public parks, for recreation. A vast majority (89%) feel communities should prioritize providing these spaces for community health and well-being.

“Parks are a big part of our lives from physical activities to connecting with the great outdoors. They are good for a community’s health and well-being, good for public safety and encourage economic development,” says Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, which has advocated for the care and use of green spaces for over 15 years.

The research proves that people want green space in their communities—and a lot of it. Poll findings include:

• 92% of Americans want more or better maintained public green space, such as public parks, school yards, dog parks, sports fields, etc. in their community.
• 75% would prioritize public green space when looking for a new home.
• 67% would be willing to pay more to live in a community with public green space over one without it.
• Roughly three quarters of Americans (74%) find public green spaces more valuable than other community amenities, such as an indoor pool, indoor fitness center or indoor recreation center.

“If a city or community wishes to attract people to their area, investing in a park system is money well spent,” says Kiser, adding that in underserved communities where people don’t have access to a backyard, parks are a much-needed respite from concrete and asphalt. “Parks also have become genuine environmental assets, from pollinator and wildlife support to carbon sinks and mitigating urban head islands.”

The TurfMutt Foundation's research shows 96% of Americans enjoy participating in activities in public green space but also highlights the diverse ways in which people use them.

• Top public green space types that Americans want to see more of/better maintained in their communities include parks (56%), running/walking trails (55%), and picnicking facilities (43%).
• Physical activities, such as taking a walk/run (76%), playing/watching a sport (47%), working out (36%), or playing/watching an outdoor game (35%) are enjoyed in public green spaces by Americans.
• Immersing oneself with the outdoors is also among the commonly enjoyed activities in public green spaces, including connecting with nature (60%), observing wildlife (51%), and gardening (31%).
• Many Americans are using public green spaces for socializing activities such as having a picnic/dining outdoors (53%), letting their dogs socialize (32%) or bringing their kids to play (30%).

Louisville, Kentucky, home to 100 parks and recreational spots, is an extraordinary example of a community prioritizing park systems. Louisville’s Waterfront Park, home of the TurfMutt Great Lawn was just named #1 Riverwalk in the United States in the USA Today 2025 Readers’ Choice awards. Mulligan, the TurfMutt Foundation’s spokesdog, calls Louisville home.

“I serve on the Waterfront Park Board of Directors, and it’s communities like Louisville that prioritize green space that are healthier, happier places to live. The TurfMutt research proves it’s what Americans want,” says Kiser.

Check out the TurfMutt Foundation’s International Backyarding Fact Book to learn more about the power of parks and other green space around us. Sign up for Mutt Mail, a monthly e-newsletter with “backyarding” tips and all the news from the TurfMutt Foundation here. Look for Mulligan the TurfMutt on the CBS Lucky Dog television and Mission Unstoppable shows on Saturday mornings.

About this research: This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of The TurfMutt Foundation from April 15-17, 2025, among 2,075 U.S. adults ages 18 and older. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95 percent confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest.