Some Implications of Outdoor Recreation Desires for Urban Redevelopment

The significance of four attributes of outdoor recreation relative to a consideration of urban redevelopment forms the focus of this paper. Data on the public's desires for specific recreational facility qualities and activities and the socio-economic characteristics of households are used to develop implications for urban redevelopment policy. Some effects of household income level, car availability, and place of residence are examined as examples. Conclusions are based on a possible set of public responses and emphasize the need for a fuller appreciation of the role of outdoor recreation in policy determination. OHIO J. SCI. 77(6): 262, 1977 Outdoor recreation has four compelling attributes in any consideration of the contemporary urban community. These factors are: (1) its role in a balanced life style for many individuals, families, and groups; (2) the fact that the physical facilities and access to these facilities are major components of the land use system of an area; (3) that directly and indirectly recreation is a significant element in the economic base; and (4) in an increasingly competitive era, recreational opportunity may enhance the economic viability and residential desirability of a place. A recognition of these four attributes is of particular importance in the redevelopment of urban areas, for one cannot logically do a comprehensive plan for any community without taking these factors into consideration. There are numerous examples of new residential developments, particularly large apartment complexes, condominiums, and new towns where outdoor recreation is an integral part of community development. One cannot travel far in the new town of Reston, Virginia, without seeing community swimming pools, tennis courts, golf courses, horseback riding trails, and hiking trails. The inclusion of outdoor recreation facilities in plans for urban redevelopment are less numerous and generally Manuscript received July 14, 1976 and in revised form April 22, 1977 (#70-57). less detailed as to the type of activities to be provided. This lack of specificity is, in part, related to the fact that little is known about the outdoor recreational desires of the present and future population of the older parts of urban areas. The four attributes identified above are related to the public's desires for outdoor recreation facilities. It is the purpose of this paper to illustrate some of the potential relationships between the outdoor recreation desires of the public and urban redevelopment (See Bannon 1976). The considerations of these relationships will have increasing importance in the years ahead as metropolitan area population redistribution continues. Disenchantment with central city living and increased mobility have been prime features of recent trends toward suburbanization. During the decade from 1960-70 a notable population growth of 43.1% occurred in the urban fringe area while central city numbers declined by 0.9%. Attempts to reverse this trend are related to the 4 factors previously identified. To date, planning emphasis has been placed on attraction of higher income groups back into the city by providing an appropriate life style (factors 1 and 4), facilities (factors 2 and 4) that the families need and desire, and enhancing the economic base of the older central city areas (factors 3 and 4). Thus the public's desires for outdoor recreation will become increasingly important in the future.