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Before, during, and irrespective of the pandemic: leisure constraints and urban national park visitation

  • czajchowski6
  • May 23, 2024
  • 1 min read

Updated: May 30, 2024

Authors: Michael Wilcox, Chris Zajchowski, Jessica Fefer, Elizabeth E. Perry, Ryan L. Sharp, Matthew T J Brownlee





ABSTRACT


Urban and urban-proximate national park sites provide diverse leisure opportunities for residents, yet potential barriers and constraints for visitation exist. We examined constraints prior to, during, and regardless of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Washington, D.C. Metro area at Rock Creek Park and Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Visitors and non-visitors (n = 840) responses were assessed for differences in their (1) demographic characteristics and leisure activities, (2) perceived constraints, and (3) the (a)temporal dimensions of these constraints (i.e. considering or despite COVID-19). Findings illustrate constraints were largely similar for both populations, but non-visitors reported significantly more physical limitations during the pandemic; overall, this demographically diverse group reported significantly less knowledge related to national park site visitation. Findings help point park managers towards information, outreach, and social support as potential tools to improve the visitor experience in these and other national park unit settings.






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Happy trails!

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U of I Moscow is located on the homelands of the Nimiipuu (Nez Perce), Palus (Palouse) and Schitsu’umsh (Coeur d’Alene) tribes. We extend gratitude to the indigenous people that call this place home, since time immemorial. U of I recognizes that it is our academic responsibility to build relationships with the indigenous people to ensure integrity of tribal voices.

University of Idaho, 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, ID 83844 czajchowski@uidaho.edu • 385-222-1055

© 2023 by Chris Zajchowski. Created by Madelyn Newton Cottrell.

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