Visitor perceptions of and support for management actions at an urban national historic site

Abstract

This study examined visitor use patterns, perceptions of crowding, and preferences for mixed-use management plans for the Kennesaw Mountain Road at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park (KMNBP) outside Atlanta, GA. Survey data showed significant differences between first-time visitors to KMNBP and repeat visitors. Most felt that the road should have open access to all users and 81 percent thought that other road users did not interfere with their enjoyment of the park. Most also felt that there was enough room on the road for all types of activities. Half of the respondents supported the idea of offering an annual entrance pass costing $20 per vehicle while 36 percent opposed the introduction of any visitor pass. Discussion focuses on efforts to manage increased and diverse visitation while maintaining the integrity of the park's historic and natural resources.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the 2008 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium

Citation

Strack, Julie A.; Miller, Craig A. 2009. Visitor perceptions of and support for management actions at an urban national historic site. In: Klenosky, David B.; Fisher, Cherie LeBlanc, eds. Proceedings of the 2008 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium; 2008 March 30 - April 1; Bolton Landing, NY. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-42. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 30-34.