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Abstract
Data from World Bank shows that the world population of city-dwellers has been increasing by one percent every three years. If this steady growth rate continues, two-thirds of the world’s population will live in cities by 2050 (Castells-Quintana & Royeula 2015). Urban growth encroaching upon natural areas provides an opportunity for a more diverse population to utilize these proximal recreation resources.
Urban parks positively impact the social health of communities adjacent to parks (Gomez et al. 2015) and provide opportunities for physical activity (McCormack et al. 2010). Despite these benefits to park use, many people are unable to visit parks due to barriers or constraints that may limit or eliminate intended park visitation.
This study examined diverse communities near county parks in Athens, GA. Perceived visitation constraints reported by park visitors, who have already navigated constraints, were compared with residents who lived adjacent. Results will be shared with park managers so they may design specific strategies to increase park visitation among urban populations.
Urban parks positively impact the social health of communities adjacent to parks (Gomez et al. 2015) and provide opportunities for physical activity (McCormack et al. 2010). Despite these benefits to park use, many people are unable to visit parks due to barriers or constraints that may limit or eliminate intended park visitation.
This study examined diverse communities near county parks in Athens, GA. Perceived visitation constraints reported by park visitors, who have already navigated constraints, were compared with residents who lived adjacent. Results will be shared with park managers so they may design specific strategies to increase park visitation among urban populations.