Factors that attract and repel visitation to urban recreation sites: a framework for research

Abstract

The mix of natural features and manmade elements in urban and metropolitan areas presents unique challenges for resource managers and planners. While some elements of the urban landscape (e.g., forested areas, parks, water features, and museums) may attract or encourage visitation, others (e.g., industrial and commercial activity, odors, noises, crime, litter, and perceived class/racial/ethnic differences) may negate and even trump the positive elements, thus repelling or deterring visitation. Interestingly, while a great deal of research has examined the positive factors that attract people to open spaces and recreation/tourism settings, relatively little has been done to understand the impact of factors that might repel, deter, or otherwise lead a person to avoid a particular urban/metropolitan site or destination. This paper seeks to address this gap in the research literature by outlining a conceptual framework and research effort (just currently under way) that is designed to develop a more complete understanding of the features and attributes at urban sites that repel or deter visitation--as well as those that attract or encourage visitation.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the 2007 northeastern recreation research symposium

Citation

Klenosky, David; LeBlanc, Cherie; Vogt, Christine; Schroeder, Herbert. 2008. Factors that attract and repel visitation to urban recreation sites: a framework for research. In: LeBlanc, Cherie; Vogt, Christine, comps. Proceedings of the 2007 northeastern recreation research symposium; 2007 April 15-17; Bolton Landing, NY. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-23. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 39-47.