Race and ethnicity in georgia state parks: an examination of outdoor recreation participation patterns

PARTICIPATION PATTERNS

Previous research has failed to address important issues dealing with outdoor recreation participation patterns among state park users, but particularly racial and ethnic minority users. These issues should be examined in order to address diversity issues affecting natural resource management, especially within the state parks in Georgia. These issues are:

1. Insufficient documentation of the outdoor recreation levels of state park users from different ethnic, gender, age, education, and income groups.

2. A lack of understanding concerning the differences of recreation preferences and participation levels of state park users from different ethnic, gender, age, education, and income groups.

During this pilot study, outdoor recreation participation patterns were examined among three state parks in north Georgia, about an hour and a half from metro Atlanta (Fort Yargo, Red Top Mountain, and Fort Mountain). These parks were selected based upon their visitor’s high levels of cultural and ethnic diversity and by recommendation of GA DNR. Data collected at these parks during the summer of 2009 primarily consisted of: intercept surveys, visitor observations, and exit surveys at each of the three parks. Recreation hotspots (i.e., picnic areas, playgrounds, swimming areas) and primary park exits were identified after several site visits and served as focal points for data collection.

Brief (10 to 15 minute) self-administered intercept surveys of state park users (N=993) were conducted in and around recreation hotspots. Surveys were available in Spanish and English. Questions regarding outdoor recreation participation patterns were addressed by inquiring about visitors’ park visitation (i.e., frequency and duration), recreation preferences, and motivations to recreate. Visitor observations (N=2281 individual observations) examined visitors’ age, race, gender, and recreation type while visiting recreation hotspots. Exit surveys (N=189) were conducted at focal exit areas within the three parks. During exit interviews, every third vehicle was stopped and asked about their age, gender, ethnicity, and duration of stay, group size, and main activity during their visit.

Results

Preliminary data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and frequencies. Data from intercept surveys shows that Anglos consist of the majority of state park visitors at 69.5%, while Latinos and African Americans represent 20.3% and 5.1% respectively. However, behavior observations represented differences in general visitation with Anglos at 50.4%, Latinos at 35.9% and African Americans at 8.2%. The differences between survey and behavior observations represent an absence of Latinos in campground areas where survey data were collected. On average, Latinos groups were 67% larger than other groups of visitors. Furthermore, Latino groups had 58% more children than other groups. Latinos’ preferred activities included picnicking (82%) and swimming (77%), while Anglos’ preferred activities included hiking (63%) and camping (51%).

The preliminary results of this study suggest that offering family-oriented activities near, or around picnic and beach areas may meet the needs of a diversifying population of state park visitors. For example, shorter trails near picnic areas, may appeal to Latinos with young children who prefer to recreate in larger groups with children near swimming and picnic areas. State park programs for children and family groups may be more effective at targeted recreation hot spots than other traditional locations. In addition to examining the outdoor recreation participation patterns of state park users, this study will also focus on identifying groups who do not visit the parks. Feedback from non-visitors may prove useful in effectively meeting the needs of all state park shareholders.

Georgia Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. (2008). Georgia Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan 2008-2013. Atlanta, GA: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Parks, Recreation, and Historic Sites Division.