Title: Linkages in the use of recreation environments across the urban to ex-urban spectrum by urban residents

Author: Dwyer, John F.; Barro, Susan C.

Year: 2002

Publication: In: Todd, Sharon, comp., ed. 2002. Proceedings of the 2001 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-289. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station. 202-207.

Abstract: A study of recreation behavior of residents of Cook County, Illinois was conducted in early 1999. Respondents were contacted via telephone and surveyed about their awareness and use of outdoor recreation sites in and around Chicago and as far away as the Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois. The sample was selected using random digit dialing and a quota for each of three specific groups: Non-Hispanic White Americans (n=6l8), African Americans (n=647), and Hispanic Americans (n=346). Responses to questions about visitation to 20 recreation sites within the last 12 months were factor analyzed revealing 5 site factors. The factors varied in the type of experiences provided, level of naturalness, and proximity to Chicago. In other analyses we examined awareness and use of recreation sites by race/ethnicity, place of residence, and other demographic variables. Results not only elucidate participation patterns but also have important implications for site managers who may want to coordinate their outreach efforts with other sites to encourage greater awareness of recreation opportunities, higher levels of use, and greater interaction with natural resource management and use.