Park users' quality evaluation: applying an analytical hierarchy process for managers

Abstract

Parks are crucial for offering recreation opportunities to people. However, it is difficult for park managers to understand users' wants and needs in order to develop and manage appropriate recreation activities to meet them. This paper develops a useful instrument to gather information on park users' participation and quality evaluation of recreation activities. The analytic hierarchy process was introduced to analyze quality evaluation data and rank the quality level of recreation activities. Based on a survey conducted in four parks in Wuxi City, China, this paper identifies the profile of park users and their preferences for activities. A ‘PG–QL’ (participation gap–quality level) matrix was applied to define four types of recreation activities that result in recommendations for park managers.

Keywords:

• park
• recreation activity
• participation gap
• quality evaluation
• ‘PG–QL’ matrix