Outdoor Recreational Needs Assessments: The Importance of Drawing Two Samples from the Community

Abstract

This research examines two questions. First, do the responses given by adults to a household survey reflect the responses given by teens to a teen survey? Second, if the two groups respond differently, how do the responses differ? These questions stem from the fact that researchers, using the household as the unit of analysis, typically question adults about both their own and their children's recreational behavior. Children rarely are asked about their own recreational pursuits. Therefore it is important to ask whether and how the responses of teens are reflected in the responses of adults in household surveys about park use and park needs.

Two samples were drawn from a community: a household sample (n = 93) and a teenage sample (n = 160). Adults completed the household survey; teens completed a questionnaire about their own recreational activities. The data from the teen sample were compared to the overall household sample as well as to the various household types. Households with teenagers and teen respondents tended to agree on the use of currently available outdoor facilities. Disagreements between teens and all the various household types arose over what facilities or activities needed to be considered in the development of outdoor recreational areas. The responses of households, even households with teens, to future needs questions do not reflect teens' responses.

KEYWORDS:

• Outdoor teenage recreation
• outdoor recreation
• parks
• park development
• recreation conflict