It is no secret that recreation and physical activity can lead to a healthier and happier lifestyle. According to research by the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at North Carolina State University (NCSU), interacting with outdoor spaces improves community health (Larson et al., 2021). This study suggests that community health improves with increased time spent in outdoor spaces (Larson et al., 2021). These spaces encourage an active lifestyle as well as promote improvements in cognitive function, attention and focus, and emotional well-being (Larson et al., 2021). In addition, the study indicated that spending time in outdoor spaces, such as public parks, also reduces stress (Larson et al., 2021). While communities of all backgrounds benefit from spending time in the outdoors, NCSU’s study claims that nature-based experiences have a particularly strong influence over the well-being of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities (Larson et al., 2021).

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While this study provides hopeful findings about the benefits of outdoor recreation, there are several factors that influence a community's ability to take advantage of these benefits. These factors include access to outdoor recreational facilities and resources, community socioeconomic status, and environmental factors. Often, these factors negatively impact the ability for BIPOC communities to access adequate recreational opportunities. This disproportionate access to recreation opportunity is known as the "adventure gap."