Creating connected open space in Florida: the influence on human use for recreation

Abstract

This exploratory study examined the Florida Communities Trust (FCT) open space acquisition program for its ability to connect recreational open spaces and the influence this connectivity had on public use for physical activity. The methods included an examination of all FCT proposals submitted from 2001 to 2006 (n = 617) and a survey (n = 45) of Lafayette Heritage Trail park users in Tallahassee, Florida. Lafayette Heritage Trail is an FCT-funded park serving as a vital link in a local open space system. The analysis revealed that, although there are relatively few questions in the FCT application instrument pertaining to connectivity, it has been relatively successful in extending and connecting open space. The analysis also revealed that patrons of Lafayette Heritage Trail were not only aware of the park's connectivity but also attributed it to their increased use of the space.

Keywords:

• greenways
• parks
• recreational facilities
• physical activity

Notes

Green infrastructure is the ‘…interconnected network of natural areas and other open spaces that conserves natural ecosystem values and functions, sustains clean air and water, and provides a wide array of benefits to wildlife and people’ (Benedict and McMahon, 2006, p. 1).