According to The Outdoor Foundation’s latest annual top-line report, the rate of participation in outdoor recreation in the United States remained solid in 2010. Nearly half of Americans ages 6 and older, or 137.9 million individuals, participated in at least one outdoor activity in 2010, making 10.1 billion outdoor outings.

The research shows significant increases in adventure sports such as kayaking, backcountry camping and climbing as well as slight increases in youth participation among those individuals ages 13 – 24.

I saw  this a couple of weeks ago when we visited Zions National Park. Here’s what was so impressive. I saw four year-olds hiking at least two miles with parents to see waterfalls. And no whining. I saw teenagers hiking with other teenagers and enjoying it. And not looking at cell phones.  I saw parents laughing and viewing the sites WITH their children.

We all had to take a Zion’s bus up to the sites during the Easter Holiday due to the crowds. And the crowds, young and old, were remarkable. Well behaved. Happy. And full of wonder at seeing the Park.

I am not prone to hyperbole, but this two day experience was refreshing. It also reinforces the Outdoor Foundation’s latest report. American’s are finding adventure just beyond the backyard. And children, young adults and adults, at least a healthy number of them, are enjoying the outdoors.

There is a lot of work left to do to encourage more Americans to experience outdoor recreation, understand the environment, and participate in saving open spaces.

It seems to me we are headed in the right direction.

It was a good weekend.