More than 141 million Americans, or 49.4 percent of the U.S. population, participated in outdoor activities last year, an increase of three million people compared to 2010 and continuing a five-year trend. In addition, Americans made a total of 11.6 billion outdoor outings in 2011, which is 1.5 billion more than the previous year. Annually, participants averaged 82 outdoor outings – from hiking to biking, skiing to paddling.
“This report shows that Americans are getting up and getting outside – a great trend for the outdoor community and the country,” said Christine Fanning, executive director of The Outdoor Foundation, which published the report. “We are encouraged by the growing population of active young people, which reflects recent efforts to re-engage and re-inspire America’s youth to get outdoors.”
The research showed increases in youth and young adult participation – continuing an encouraging, yet modest, trend over the last few years. Outdoor participation increased by one percent in every age bracket, 6-to-12, 13-to-17 and 18-to-24 respectively. This accounted for more than four billion outdoor outings for the younger generation with an annual average of nearly 90 outdoor outings. While encouraging, these rates are significantly lower than those recorded in 2006. For example, 63 percent of youth ages 6-to-12 participated in outdoor recreation in 2011, compared to 78 percent in 2006.
The Most Popular activities among young people in overall participation continue to be Running, Biking, Camping, Fishing and Hiking.
The Most Favorite activities as measured by frequency of participation were Running, Biking, Skateboarding, Triathlons and Birdwatching. Interestingly, adults share a passion for similar recreational pursuits."
So you need to grab your sunscreen, lip balm, sport lubricant and get in the game!
The Pied Piper
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