Research to Inform the 2014-2018 Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Plan
Today s Presentation and Activity 1. The why, who, what, how, and when of research to inform the Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Plan 2. Your input on the what Prioritizing topics, identifying your important question for the state-wide resident survey
Public Input A key part of the SCORP planning process Why? Ensures buy-in for future action The TAC is an important part of that public input Gathering different perspectives/interests Learning about initiatives or happenings in Pennsylvania as they relate to outdoor recreation
but Research is Public Input Too! Why? Helps us move beyond anecdotal claims Can support or refute assumptions or beliefs Can include analysis of existing data Can also gather updated/current data on public use, demand, preferences for OR Different states do this in different ways
Key data found in most plans Participation in Outdoor Recreation Satisfaction with Recreation Opportunities Needs Assessments (Facilities/Services) User/Non-user Characteristics Barriers to Participation, Facilitation Strategies Perceived Benefits of Outdoor Recreation Public Preferences and Attitudes
How is PA doing it for the current plan? Analyzing secondary or pre-existing data Recent and on-going outdoor recreation studies in PA Existing Data Sources (OIA, NSRE) Collecting primary or new data Random survey of Pennsylvanians (historic tradition) Survey of park and recreation providers (new this year)
Who is Doing This? Andrew Mowen, RPTM, Penn State Former Manager Research and Evaluation; Cleveland Metroparks Research Interests Park Benefits, Conservation Funding Currently working on a number of other DCNR projects Alan Graefe, RPTM, Penn State Lead Investigator for the 2009-2013 SCORP Research Lead Investigator for current PA-VUM Study (SF/SP) Bill Elmendorf, Ecosystems Sciences, Penn State Program Director Extension Urban Forestry Program Lead Investigator for the 2004-2008 SCORP Research
What is our Role? Synthesize information share general trends and data as they relate to SCORP themes Collect new information from PA residents providers Includes survey design, implementation, analysis, interpretation for inclusion into the plan. DCNR distills this information (along with your input) to set objectives, action steps for inclusion in the Plan.
The Last SCORP (2009-2013) Award Winning! A new approach taken by DCNR and other outdoor recreation stakeholders... More input (stakeholder interviews, TAC formation) Diverse research projects Focused on readability, dissemination, action steps, and responsibility for implementation A foundation for further action - The current SCORP
2008 Resident Survey - Last SCORP Integration of two studies/questions from the 2003 SCORP (into one instrument, approach) Gathered extensive data to satisfy multiple constituencies Strived for consistency with 2003 study content for the purpose of trend analysis
What are Pennsylvanians doing? Participation Rates for Most Popular Outdoor Recreation Activities
Where do people go for outdoor recreation?
Where do people go for outdoor recreation? Who s going where? Population Segment Urbanites Women Men Low Income Preferred Locations Local/Municipal Areas (50% of Philadelphians versus 29 % of overall population) Local/Municipal Areas (35% of women versus 25 % of men) State Parks, Forests, Game Lands (29% of men versus 24 % of women) Local/Municipal Areas (39% of under $20,000 versus 29 % of over $40,000)
Recreation Area and Facility Needs
What are the major area/facility needs? Who needs what types of facilities? Area/Facility Needs More bicycle paths and lanes More and improved pools and picnic areas Overnight recreation facilities (e.g. campgrounds, rental cabins, nature inns) Playgrounds and sports facilities Population Segment Residents of towns and suburbs Baby boomers (age 44-62) Philadelphians and residents of Northeast Pennsylvania Residents of Southeast Pennsylvania Urban residents
What are residents top priorities for funding recreation and conservation programs? Maintain existing park and recreation areas Protect wildlife habitat and conserve wild resources Percent Ranked Highest (#1) Priority Mean Importance* 17% 4.5 15% 4.4 Acquire and protect open space 14% 4.0 Restore damaged rivers and streams Build pedestrian and cycling paths between places of work, schools, and shopping areas 9% 4.4 7% 3.9 *Scale =1 to 5, Where 1 is Not at All Important and 5 is Extremely Important
Importance of Funding Trails and Greenways *Scale =1 to 5, Where 1 is Not at All Important and 5 is Extremely Important
How is this data used? Sets the stage for or supports major themes and goals of the plan supporting evidence Data has been useful for statewide initiatives Supporting programs, funding, prioritizing general activities Examples? - Prioritizing infrastructure maintenance, demonstrating public support for conservation initiatives and funding programs.
What about this year? Revisit questions from the last survey, how were they used since the plan was completed? What questions are important to keep for their own sake or for the purpose of trend analysis? not throwing out the baby with the bathwater What new questions/topics should be included in new survey?
DCNR Research Advisory Group Filter DCNR and stakeholder needs Provide input into study design Give and take between multiple perspectives Ensuring the timing works for the planning process having data before plan is written GOALS shorter survey, ensuring that information will be used now and in the future
Where are We Now? Revising and editing the resident survey Gathering input regarding your priorities for basic survey content Getting your suggestions for those burning outdoor recreation questions you may have of Pennsylvanians
Your Chance to Provide Input Not necessarily on the specific questionnaire design or survey procedures, but in prioritizing the topic/content gathered
Two Tasks 1. Prioritize most important survey topics/areas Dot exercise on the easels closest to you Refer to your handout before sticking it 2. If you had a chance to ask only one question on the resident survey, what would that be? Write down that question on your post-it note and place on the easel closest to you.
How will we use this information? Will guide our decision making concerning the essential questions to keep or focus on Will help us to develop further survey content or to revise/tweak existing questions We will be finalizing the survey in the next few weeks and want to be in the field by late Oct.
Thank You for Your Time Today Enjoy your Lunch! Contact Information: Andrew J. Mowen, Ph.D. Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management 704A Ford Building The Pennsylvania State University University Park, PA 16802 Phone: (814) 865-2102 E-mail: amowen@psu.edu