Business Plan - Outdoor Foundation Report Finds Participation

Initial data from the 2009 Outdoor Recreation Participation Topline Report, published by The Outdoor Foundation, shows that an increasing number of Americans participated in nature-based, outdoor activities last year. The study finds sizeable participation increases in many nature-based activities including double-digit increases in backpacking, mountain biking and trail running and close to a ten percent increase in hiking and camping. Overall participation trends in recreation, sports and fitness remained largely unchanged from last year.

“Americans are finding solace and security, adventure and excitement in the great outdoors,” said Christine Fanning, executive director of The Outdoor Foundation. “During these challenging economic times, a return to affordable, nature-based recreation allows individuals, friends and families to reconnect – with one another, with the natural world and with natural values.”

The Outdoor Foundation 2009 Outdoor Recreation Participation Topline Report also shows increases in many active outdoor activities among youth, showing a positive trend from 2008 in some key areas. Biking, backpacking and hiking are just a few of the activities that show increases in participation among young people. Overall, outdoor participation for youth ages 6 – 12 is down 7.6% from last year, showing a continued need to focus on connecting kids and nature.

“It is certainly encouraging to see an increase of youth participation in some important recreation categories, but more must be done,” continued Fanning. “Public and private partnerships, effective outreach programs and creative campaigns must be top priorities for every sector of society if we are to truly inspire and grow the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.”

Retail sales information from Outdoor Industry Association supports the assumption that more Americans are participating in nature-based outdoor activities. The Outdoor Industry outperformed many other industries in 2008, with a 5% gain over 2007.

The Outdoor Foundations 2009 Outdoor Recreation Participation Topline Report details Americans' participation in outdoor activities from 2007 to 2008. The Report is a high level overview of The Foundation's full Participation Report, which will be released later this year with expanded data and full analysis.

A copy of the 2009 Outdoor Recreation Participation Topline Report along with the 2008 Outdoor Recreation Participation Report can be downloaded from The Outdoor Foundation website at outdoorfoundation.org/research.