TY - JOUR
T1 - “A unifying force in the community”
T2 - Perceptions of a neighborhood park renovation
AU - Pitas, Nicholas A.D.
AU - Hickerson, Benjamin D.
AU - Koerte, Tammy
AU - Kerstetter, Deborah
AU - Mowen, Andrew J.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2017 Community Development Society.
PY - 2017/5/27
Y1 - 2017/5/27
N2 - Although the benefits of community parks are well established, evidence supporting the impact of park capital renovations is valuable for organizations seeking funding for such projects. This study assessed stakeholders’ perceived impacts as a result of a major park renovation. Separate, semi-structured focus groups were conducted with three stakeholder groups (emerging adults, parents, and older adults). Transcripts were thematically coded using a constant comparison method by multiple team members. Respondents perceived the renovations created a more inclusive and diverse atmosphere, generated social capital, and transformed the park into a “unifying force in the community.” Perceived negative impacts included increased usage by certain groups, and crowding in specific locations. This study adds to the body of evidence supporting the impacts of changes to the physical park environment on user behaviors, perceptions, and the social environment within the park and the broader community. Implications for future renovations and interventions are discussed.
AB - Although the benefits of community parks are well established, evidence supporting the impact of park capital renovations is valuable for organizations seeking funding for such projects. This study assessed stakeholders’ perceived impacts as a result of a major park renovation. Separate, semi-structured focus groups were conducted with three stakeholder groups (emerging adults, parents, and older adults). Transcripts were thematically coded using a constant comparison method by multiple team members. Respondents perceived the renovations created a more inclusive and diverse atmosphere, generated social capital, and transformed the park into a “unifying force in the community.” Perceived negative impacts included increased usage by certain groups, and crowding in specific locations. This study adds to the body of evidence supporting the impacts of changes to the physical park environment on user behaviors, perceptions, and the social environment within the park and the broader community. Implications for future renovations and interventions are discussed.
KW - Parks
KW - leisure
KW - qualitative research methodology
KW - recreation
KW - social capital
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85016127342&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=85016127342&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/15575330.2017.1308958
DO - 10.1080/15575330.2017.1308958
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85016127342
SN - 1557-5330
VL - 48
SP - 420
EP - 435
JO - Community Development
JF - Community Development
IS - 3
ER -