Study reveals best and worst U.S. cities for recreation

Boston have the highest share of the population with walkable park access, at 100 percent (Courtesy photo)

With July being National Parks and Recreation Month, and maintaining a healthy weight through exercise saving people up to $1,500 in health care costs each year, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2023's Best and Worst Cities for Recreation as well as expert commentary.

To highlight the benefits of recreational activities for consumers and economies across the country, WalletHub compared the 100 largest U.S. cities across 48 key indicators of recreation-friendliness. For each city, we examined the accessibility of entertainment and recreational facilities, the quality of parks and the weather.

Best vs. Worst

• San Francisco and Boston have the highest share of the population with walkable park access, 100 percent, which is 3.1 times higher than in Indianapolis, the city with the lowest at 32 percent.
• New York has the most playgrounds per square root of the population, 0.660085, which is 13 times more than in Hialeah, Florida, the city with the fewest at 0.050668.
• San Francisco has the highest spending on parks per capita, $515, which is 15.6 times higher than in Jersey City, New Jersey, the city with the lowest at $33.
• San Francisco has the most bike rental facilities per square root of the population, 0.049433, which is 35 times more than in Kansas City, Missouri, the city with the fewest at 0.001411.

To view the full report and your city's rank, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-cities-for-recreation/5144

Expert Commentary

What are some cost-effective ways for local authorities to improve parks and recreation facilities?

"There are many ways local authorities can improve park and recreation facilities in cost-effective ways. First, seeking grants offered by government agencies, foundations, and corporations is essential in focusing on renovations, infrastructure projects, and improvements. Additionally, community fundraising, crowdfunding, donations, and partnerships with nonprofits and businesses can leverage expertise and resources. Volunteer programs and adopt-a-park programs engage community members to contribute their time and skills to maintain and improve parks. To reduce costs and address climate change, focusing on native plant landscaping, energy-efficient infrastructure, bike/pedestrian-friendly means of travel, and multi-use facilities can greatly reduce the bottom line."
Melissa Weddell, Ph.D., MBA - Director & Research Faculty, Institute for Tourism & Recreation Research, University of Montana

"Local authorities must understand their current audiences - those who are already using park and recreation facilities - and their potential audiences, or those who are no longer / not yet users. This is a tall order, for sure, but it retains focus on parks and recreation as available and in service for all. Not aligning plans with both keeping and attracting users can limit who is enjoying these local opportunities and decrease perceptions of relevance. This ultimately may lead to decreased support for parks and recreation and lost benefits to city residents. It is critical to work with the community to understand what specifically recreationists are currently enjoying, what may have turned people off from using parks and recreation facilities, and what may attract them to use and enjoy these public goods. This helps then prioritize facility decisions within the parameters of budget, space, etc. realities and identify pathways for more ambitious goals."
Elizabeth E. Perry, Ph.D. - Assistant Professor; Director, Park Connections Lab, Michigan State University

What is the biggest mistake local authorities make in building and maintaining parks and recreation facilities?

"In my opinion, the biggest mistake local authorities make in building and maintaining parks and recreation facilities is not initially budgeting enough for staffing and maintenance. I also think they need to plan ahead for growth by ensuring there is enough space or land for an addition to the facility when necessary."
Stephanie T. West, Ph.D. - Director, Hart School of Hospitality, Sport & Recreation Management, James Madison University

"One of the biggest mistakes local authorities can make in building and maintaining parks and recreation facilities is a lack of community engagement and input. Failing to involve the community in the planning, design, and decision-making processes can lead to facilities that do not meet the needs and preferences of the people they are intended to serve. This can result in underutilized parks, low community satisfaction, and wasted resources."
Melissa Weddell, Ph.D., MBA - Director & Research Faculty, Institute for Tourism & Recreation Research, University of Montana

Do you think cities should consider raising new taxes or increasing debt levels in order to invest in parks and recreation?

"Absolutely. I think every recreation professor would answer this way. Investing in parks and recreation in a community is like investing in your home. While one should be sure investments are reasonable and equitable, investing in parks and recreation increases the value of your community by improving the quality of life (and health) of its residents, attracting businesses (and now remote workers), both of which can choose to locate anywhere and bring with them high-paying jobs and associated tax revenues, attracting retirees who require fewer police and fire services and have no children that need schools, a large expense for communities, and attracting tourists, many of whom prioritize public park and recreation amenities like parks, gardens, trails, and greenways when selecting where to go, as well as those visiting the area for revenue-generating sports tournaments and community events."
Stephanie T. West, Ph.D. - Director, Hart School of Hospitality, Sport & Recreation Management, James Madison University

"Raising taxes or increasing debt levels in a city should be based on the community's individual needs. When considering city funding allocations, parks and recreation is an excellent investment for combating climate change, improving overall health, and addressing social equity. Investing in parks and recreation includes benefits such as improving community well-being, quality of life, and the environment through open spaces and greenways, as well as addressing social equity and inclusion through promoting social cohesion and bridging gaps between different demographic groups."
Melissa Weddell, Ph.D., MBA - Director & Research Faculty, Institute for Tourism & Recreation Research, University of Montana