Parks and Recreation Out-of-School Time Report

"Perhaps no one benefits more from all that parks and recreation has to offer than children. Local park and recreation agencies provide safe places where kids can go when they are not in school, whether before or after class or during the long months of summer. Out-of-school (OST) programs are not only places for children to go while their parents or guardians earn a living, these programs also deliver learning and personal enrichment opportunities that open up greater possibilities for today's youth. These programs also serve as critical refuges for youth living in households with substance-use issues or struggling with financial stresses.

"Even with these programs' great success, OST could have an even greater impact. With access to greater funding and resources, park and recreation agencies have the opportunity to introduce more children to nature, science, technology and better nutrition. Further, these programs could broaden their impact with additional tutoring, mentoring and enrichment opportunities that improve the mental, physical and emotional health of youngsters."

The National Recreation and Park Association offers an Out-of-School Time Report, based on the responses from a July 2018 survey of 334 park and recreation agencies, that celebrates how OST programs are making a real difference in the lives of their communities' youth. The study is also designed to highlight what more can be done and the obstacles that must be overcome to fully deliver on these programs.

To access a copy of the complete report, please visit:

National Recreation and Park Association: 2019 Out-of-School Time Report

Background information:

National Recreation and Park Association