Parks and Recreation

Shaping Stronger Park Systems: One Survey at a Time

ETC Institute is the nation’s leading provider of community survey research, trusted by hundreds of local governments to deliver statistically valid insights that guide planning and investment. Over the years, ETC Institute has contributed to 700+ parks and recreation related projects nationwide.

Through custom surveys, direct public engagement, and accessible result dashboards, we ensure resident feedback is meaningfully incorporated into planning processes led by consultants, municipal departments, and community organizations.

Parks-Focused Planning

ETC Institute supports planning efforts by delivering resident-driven data for a range of initiatives, including:

Parks and Recreation Master Plans

Comprehensive and Strategic Plans

Open Space and Environmental Plans

Our surveys equip planners with statistically valid insights into how residents use public spaces, where service gaps exist, and what priorities matter most across diverse populations. The resulting data helps inform planning initiatives, build public trust, and support long-term investment in inclusive, accessible communities.

Supporting NRPA Gold Medal & CAPRA-Recognized Excellence

ETC Institute is proud to support many of the nation’s top-performing parks and recreation agencies, including NRPA Gold Medal Award winners and CAPRA-accredited departments. These organizations set the standard for long-range planning, resource management, and responsible service delivery.

Whether you’re preparing for national recognition or simply refining local priorities, our team adapts to your goals, timeline, and available resources, bringing the same level of professional care and insight to every project.

Explore some of the NRPA Gold Medal Award nominees and winners and CAPRA-accredited departments we’ve partnered with:

City of New Braunfels Parks and Recreation, TX
Gwinnett Count Parks and Recreation, GA
Johnson County Parks and Recreation District, KS
Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation, VA
Roseville Parks, Recreation and Libraries Department, CA
Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth, and Community Services, CT
U.S. Army Garrison Fort Knox, KY
Campaign Park District, IL
Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge (BREC), LA
Cleveland Metroparks, OH
Provo Parks and Recreation, UT
Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation, IN
Fairfax County Park Authority, VA
Metro Parks Tacoma, WA
Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation, FL

Scottsdale Parks and Recreation Department, AZ
City of Golden Parks and Recreation, CO
City of Miami Parks and Recreation Department, FL
Gwinett County Parks and Recreation, GA
Davenport Parks and Recreation, IA
Naperville, IL
Carmel Clay, IN
Wichita, KS
Louisville, KY
Parish of East Baton Rouge (BREC), LA
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
Kansas City, MO
Durham, NC
Henderson, NV
Cincinnati, OH
Bend, OR
Sioux Falls, SD
Memphis, TN
Austin, TX
Provo, UT
Norfolk, VA
Tacoma, WA

700+ Projects & Counting

Trusted by Organizations Nationwide

ETC Institute proudly partners with planning consultants, municipal departments, and community organizations across the country on parks and recreation projects. This reach includes:

Priority Investment Ratings

Used in 99.9% of ETC Institute’s parks and recreation surveys, the Priority Investment Rating (PIR) helps agencies make informed decisions by identifying where their investment will have the greatest impact.

The PIR combines how important a service or program is to residents with how well the community thinks it is currently being delivered, resulting in a clear priority score.

Recognized by CAPRA as a best practice in parks and recreation planning, the PIR is a powerful tool for aligning resources with community needs. Our approach delivers meaningful insights for agencies of all sizes from large regional systems or smaller, fast-growing departments.