The study shows that two-thirds of Americans participate in outdoor recreation every year, and half do so at least every month. We now know conclusively that the American public associates recreation with three great issues of the 1990s family, the environment and health. Second, we know that people who participate in recreation often, and those who were raised in families where recreation was an important element, are happier with their lives than the public at large. The correlation between satisfaction and recreation participation was found at four different educational levels. Reasons for participating in outdoor recreation reflect a commitment to family life and personal fitness.
Recreation often starts with the family.
A family that heavily emphasizes and participates in outdoor recreation raises children who turn into recreation supporters, participators and enthusiasts as adults. According to the survey, one in three Americans took an outdoor recreation vacation last year. Seven in ten Americans feel that displays and other programs teaching about history and resources are important. The study shows regional differences in recreational patterns. Westerners are the most likely to utilize their nation's natural resources, and southerners are the most apt to go fishing.