Utilizing Place Attachment for the Development of Nature-based Recreation Areas

Sierra Stellhorn

Abstract

A more diverse population than ever is pursuing nature-based recreation in response to increased tele-working, access to varying activities close to home, and advances in technology. Often, participation is pursued via public recreation areas (parks). In 2019, the National Parks Service managed a record number of visitors at 1.4 billion. Likewise, state and community managed recreation areas have seen increased visitation in recently placing an increased pressure on park employees to satisfy public recreation demands. Nature-based park staff face a vast range of challenges (e.g., environmental, social, economic) in responding to this immense demand for recreation opportunity. Research emphasizes the importance of intentional design, responsible use, and evidence-based management in leveraging novel nature-based environments and building human capacity. The success of nature-based park management efforts rely upon understanding visitors’ values and preferences associated with proposed policies and management alternatives.  Place attachment is viewed as a bond or link between people and places and is a commonly used framework in environmental studies to investigate the bond between people and places. Researchers frequently use a two-dimensional frame of place attachment including place dependence and place identity. Place dependence refers to the potential of an environment to satisfy users’ needs by supporting their desired activities. Place identity is the degree to which an environment becomes part of ones’ personal identity or self-image. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of place attachment as a framework to evaluate stakeholders’ values and desires regarding a newly obtained property to be developed into a community-nature park.

Faculty Advisor: W. Hunter Holland

Acknowledgment: Dr. Kathleen K. Holland

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Sierra Stellhorn

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Email: srs9629@uncw.edu

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W. Hunter Holland

PH.D. Assistant Professor

UNCW CHHS

Hollandw@uncw.edu