Outdoor Recreation in Pennsylvania A Resident Survey Conducted cooperatively by 2 Pennsylvania Resident Outdoor Recreation Survey Section 1: Your Overall Participation Outdoor recreation activities include a variety of things you do outdoors in your free time. They include walking and cycling along trails and roads, hunting and fishing, boating, camping, bird watching, sightseeing, playing sports like golf and soccer, and many more examples. 1. During the past year, how often did you participate in any outdoor recreation activities in Pennsylvania? (Check the one category that best describes your level or frequency of participation) 34.8% Two or more times per week 17.9% About once per week 12.5% About once or twice per month 7.5% Several times during the year 1.9% Once or twice during the year 25.4% I never participate in outdoor recreation (Please skip to Section 3 on page 9). 2. Please look at the activities listed in the tables that follow. Did you or anyone in your household under the age of 18 participate in any of the following trail or road activities in Pennsylvania during the past year? 8.7% No (If no, please skip to the next question.) 81.0% Yes (If yes, please check each type of activity below and enter about how many times you participated in this activity over the past year. Even if you do not know the exact number of times, please enter your best guess.) Trail/Road Activities Check if YOU participated during the past year Number of times YOU participated in the past year Check if someone UNDER 18 in your household participated during the past year Those with children under 18 in the household. Check if someone UNDER 18 in your household participated during the past year Walking on local streets/sidewalk 64.1% 107.36 times 17.5% 57.8% Walking on trails/paths 46.9% 42.17 times 16.3% 51.8% Walking with your dog 29.0% 149.5 times 9.0% 29.7% Jogging/running 17.3% 70.72 times 7.8% 25.5% Hiking/backpacking 12.5% 14.49 times 6.7% 23.6% Horseback riding 3.0% 1.4% 4.7% Bicycling – on road Bicycling – off road (rail trails/bike paths) Mountain biking 15.0% 9.20 times 36.16 times 9.1% 31.6% 7.1% 22.9% 5.2% 15.49 times 1.5% 5.7% ATV riding Other motorized (4-wheel, motorcycle) Scenic driving 8.2% 22.81 times 2.5% 7.3% 7.9% 40.37 times 1.5% 4.7% 40.8% 23.18 times 10.2% 33.0% Walking (Street, Sidewalks, Trails) 70.6% N/A 20.0% 64.0% Bicycling (on-road & off-road) 20.2% N/A 11.9% 40.4% 13.4% 18.97 times 3 3. Please look at the activities listed in the table below. Did you or anyone in your household under the age of 18 participate in any of the following water-based activities in Pennsylvania during the past year? 41.0% No (If no, please skip to the next question.) 47.2% Yes (If yes, please check each type of activity below and enter about how many times you participated in this activity over the past year. Even if you do not know the exact number of times, please enter your best guess.) Water-Based Activities Swimming Motorized boating Canoeing Kayaking Sailing Tubing Stand up paddleboarding Check if YOU participated during the past year 37.4% 12.5% 9.5% 12.4% 1.7% 7.3% 1.4% Number of times YOU participated in the past year 24.98 times 14.07 times 6.58 times 8.74 times 8.63 times 5.06 times 2.13 times Check if someone UNDER 18 in your household participated during the past year 18.1% 4.7% 5.0% 4.9% 0.6% 4.3% 0.7% Those with children under 18 in the household. Check if someone UNDER 18 in your household participated during the past year 60.5% 14.6% 17.1% 17.5% 2.2% 14.3% 2.4% 4. Please look at the activities listed in the table below. Did you or anyone in your household under the age of 18 participate in any of the following winter activities in Pennsylvania during the past year? 59.9% No (If no, please skip to the next question.) 27.5% Yes (If yes, please check each type of activity below and enter about how many times you participated in this activity over the past year. Even if you do not know the exact number of times, please enter your best guess.) Winter Activities Downhill skiing/ snowboarding Sledding/tubing Cross-country skiing/snowshoeing Ice skating Snowmobiling Ice fishing Check if YOU participated during the past year 7.9% 13.8% 4.0% 6.8% 1.9% 2.2% Number of times YOU participated in the past year 6.21 times 4.76 times 6.32 times 9.10 times 7.16 times 5.90 times Check if someone UNDER 18 in your household participated during the past year 5.3% 11.8% 0.5% 5.6% 0.9% 0.6% Those with children under 18 in the household. Check if someone UNDER 18 in your household participated during the past year 19.1% 42.3% 2.0% 19.9% 2.7% 2.1% 5. Please look at the activities listed in the table below. Did you or anyone in your household under the age of 18 participate in any of the following wildlife-related activities in Pennsylvania during the past year? 33.9% No (If no, please skip to the next question.) 54.3% Yes (If yes, please check each type of activity below and enter about how many times you participated in this activity over the past year. Even if you do not know the exact number of times, please enter your best guess.) Wildlife-Related Activities Hunting Fishing Bird watching Wildlife viewing Fish viewing Check if YOU participated during the past year 15.3% 20.1% 30.9% 35.0% 10.2% Number of times YOU participated in the past year 16.11 times 17.73 times 80.88 times 55.02 times 19.92 times Check if someone UNDER 18 in your household participated during the past year 3.4% 9.3% 6.4% 8.9% 3.8% Those with children under 18 in the household. Check if someone UNDER 18 in your household participated during the past year 11.1% 31.0% 20.2% 29.2% 13.8% 4 6. Please look at the activities listed in the table below. Did you or anyone in your household under the age of 18 participate in any of the following sports activities in Pennsylvania during the past year? 45.1% No (If no, please skip to the next question.) 43.2% Yes (If yes, please check each type of activity below and enter about how many times you participated in this activity over the past year. Even if you do not know the exact number of times, please enter your best guess.) Check if YOU participated during the past year Sports Skateboarding/rollerblading Tennis Shooting sports (archery, target, skeet) Golf Rock climbing Geocaching Baseball/softball Basketball (outdoors) Lacrosse/soccer/football Volleyball (outdoors) 2.9% 7.5% 14.4% 18.5% 2.6% 3.2% 8.5% 7.0% 3.7% 4.6% Number of times YOU participated in the past year 17.62 times 18.90 times 17.45 times 22.35 times 3.43 times 9.47 times 23.45 times 18.78 times 23.91 times 6.77 times Check if someone UNDER 18 in your household participated during the past year 5.5% 4.1% 5.0% 3.6% 1.8% 1.7% 7.3% 6.1% 4.9% 2.6% Those with children under 18 in the household. Check if someone UNDER 18 in your household participated during the past year 20.6% 14.4% 17.8% 11.6% 6.5% 6.5% 24.9% 21.8% 17.9% 9.0% 7. Please look at the activities listed in the table below. Did you or anyone in your household under the age of 18 participate in any of the following other outdoor activities in Pennsylvania during the past year? 15.4% No (If no, please skip to the next question.) 73.4% Yes (If yes, please check each type of activity below and enter about how many times you participated in this activity over the past year. Even if you do not know the exact number of times, please enter your best guess.) Other Outdoor Activities Tent camping RV camping Picnicking Playing on playground Lawn games (horseshoes, bocce) Visiting historic sites Visiting nature centers Outdoor photography Night sky viewing Attending outdoor education program/activity (e.g. campfire program, guided hike) Check if YOU participated during the past year Number of times YOU participated in the past year Check if someone UNDER 18 in your household participated during the past year Those with children under 18 in the household. Check if someone UNDER 18 in your household participated during the past year 11.1% 5.8% 41.4% 21.3% 28.7% 43.5% 32.3% 26.2% 31.7% 5.05 times 11.16 times 7.42 times 17.38 times 9.53 times 5.63 times 4.59 times 22.33 times 31.28 times 7.8% 3.4% 13.7% 16.6% 9.8% 11.5% 8.9% 5.1% 8.3% 27.0% 11.1% 45.6% 55.6% 34.5% 37.8% 29.3% 16.8% 28.6% 9.2% 4.96 times 4.2% 13.4% 5 9a. During a typical week, other than your regular job, do you participate in any physical activities or exercises in the outdoors? 29.0% No 71.0% Yes (If yes, about how many minutes per week do you spend being physically active in the outdoors? (139.18 minutes) 9b. How could outdoor recreation areas/facilities assist you in achieving your health and fitness goals or priorities? (please check all that apply) Yes: 44.1%, No: 55.9% Provide more long distance trails/pathways Yes: 26.2%, No: 73.8% Provide more fitness/exercise stations at outdoor areas/facilities Yes: 17.2%, No: 82.6% Provide informative and educational health-related signage Yes: 53.8%, No: 46.2% Protect and encourage more natural settings at outdoor recreation areas/facilities Yes: 27.8%, No: 72.2% Support health and fitness community events (e.g., 5K races, adventure races, etc) ***10. In the past year, how often did you use each of the following types of outdoor recreation areas? (Please indicate whether you’ve used any of the following types of areas and the number of days you participated in some outdoor recreation activity at each type of area visited. Even if you do not know the exact number of days, please enter your best guess.) Type of Area Local/municipal parks, trails, and recreation areas County parks, trails, and recreation areas State parks, forests, or game lands Federal parks, forests, and recreation areas Private/commercial recreation areas Other (please specify) ___________________ Did you visit this type of area? (last 12 months) Total Frequency How many days did you participate in outdoor recreation at this type of area (last 12 months)? 91.0% Yes 9.0% No 77.8% Yes 22.2% No 80.2% Yes 19.8% No 53.8% Yes 46.2% No 50.5% Yes 49.5% No 12.7% Yes 87.3% No 67,545,233 28.26 days 26,991,684 13.04 days 22,830,411 10.76 days 6,808,933 4.13 days 26,063,368 15.61 days 14,108,077 10.63 days 6 Section 2: Recreation Area and Facility Needs 11. How do you feel about the following recreational areas and facilities near where you live? Are they adequate or should they be increased or improved? (Check all that apply. Skip area/facility if you have no opinion.) Trail/Road Facilities % Responding % Adequate % Increased % Improved Walking/fitness paths 78.3% 56.9% 34.3% 63.5% 51.8% 37.0% 34.8% 50.7% 54.8% 67.8% 43.9% 28.7% 55.2% 58.1% 42.1% 38.1% 26.0% 49.3% 54.3% 36.1% 33.0% 16.5% 13.1% 9.0% 17.4% 29.2% 12.9% 14.2% 33.3% 61.5% 28.8% 13.8% 53.9% 53.2% 37.0% 16..2% % Responding % Adequate % Increased % Improved 60.8% 43.8% 43.5% 52.1% 49.6% 41.4% 48.6% 70.0% 63.9% 44.6% 53.6% 50.2% 41.7% 23.4% 30.1% 44.2% 38.5% 41.4% 15.8% 10.3% 10.3% 18.3% 14.6% 13.6% % Adequate % Increased % Improved 73.4% 58.4% 56.6% 48.8% 76.2% 23.0% 37.6% 40.4% 45.4% 19.0% 5.9% 7.5% 6.4% 9.7% 6.4% Hiking/backpacking trails Equestrian trails Bicycle paths/rail trails On-road bike lanes Mountain bike trails ATV trails Other motorized trails (4wheel/motorcycling) Scenic drives/byways Water-Based Areas/Facilities Outdoor pools Motorized boating areas Non-motorized boating areas Lake/stream swimming areas Lake/river access points/launch areas Water trails Winter Sports Areas/Facilities Downhill skiing/snowboarding areas Sledding/tubing areas Cross-country ski/snowshoeing areas Ice skating areas Ice fishing areas % Responding 45.3% 49.2% 39.4% 48.5% 37.6% 7 Wildlife-Related Areas/Facilities Big game hunting areas Small game hunting areas Waterfowl hunting areas Warm water fishing areas Cold water fishing areas Special regulation fishing areas Wildlife viewing areas Outdoor Sports Areas/Facilities Skateboarding/rollerblading areas Tennis courts Shooting ranges Golf courses Rock climbing areas Geocaching areas Baseball/softball fields Outdoor basketball courts Soccer/football/lacrosse fields Outdoor volleyball courts Other Outdoor Areas/Facilities Full-service campsites Primitive campsites Rental cabins Lodges/inns Picnic areas Playgrounds Natural play areas Dog parks Heritage/historic areas Environmental education/nature centers Natural and wild areas % Responding 44.6% 44.2% 36.3% 44.9% 42.5% 38.8% 51.3% % Responding 39.6% 47.1% 43.3% 48.5% 37.3% 32.2% 49.2% 45.1% 43.6% 39.4% % Responding 49.8% 42.4% 47.6% 42.4% 61.4% 55.2% 48.6% 49.0% 52.3% 51.2% 56.1% % Adequate % Increased % Improved 70.1% 68.9% 75.2% 67.7% 69.8% 70.6% 46.6% 26.0% 26.7% 20.5% 24.9% 23.8% 25.2% 48.9% 7.4% 7.9% 6.8% 11.6% 11.7% 7.4% 12.5% % Adequate % Increased % Improved 55.1% 60.5% 51.9% 81.1% 55.2% 66.9% 72.2% 60.8% 69.2% 51.9% 39.5% 34.3% 44.6% 15.0% 40.1% 30.5% 21.4% 31.2% 24.3% 41.9% 9.9% 10.1% 8.1% 6.8% 7.4% 4.8% 10.7% 14.1% 10.8% 9.8% % Adequate % Increased % Improved 53.2% 56.3% 38.9% 56.0% 47.8% 53.0% 46.9% 45.1% 52.3% 44.4% 39.7% 41.1% 37.1% 56.2% 37.7% 41.0% 34.2% 45.6% 49.6% 37.1% 47.1% 52.8% 10.7% 10.9% 11.9% 9.6% 18.8% 19.3% 14.0% 11.1% 15.8% 14.1% 14.8% 8 Section 3: Your Opinions about Outdoor Recreation and Conservation 12. Park and outdoor recreation services have the potential to provide a number of benefits. Please indicate the extent that park and outdoor recreation services in your local area deliver or provide the following types of individual and community benefits (please circle the response that best describes your opinion) Potential Benefit Improves physical health and fitness Helps reduce crime Makes my community a more desirable place to live Increases property values in the community Reduces stress/improves mental health Provides opportunities for social interaction Helps attract new residents and businesses Enhances a sense of community Provides children with a safe place to play Promotes tourism Protects the natural environment Preserves historical and cultural heritage Percentage 3-5 94.3% 68.7% 92.9% 86.7% 92.0% 90.6% 82.8% 89.1% 92.6% 77.5% 89.3% 86.7% Percentage 4 and 5 73.3% 33.1% 74.1% 62.7% 74.3% 61.2% 54.9% 62.0% 73.4% 47.8% 67.9% 62.0% Mean 4.18 3.06 4.15 3.82 4.13 3.80 3.60 3.83 4.11 3.43 3.96 3.82 Percentage N/A 2.1% 9.7% 1.4% 3.2% 1.6% 2.0% 3.0% 1.9% 1.5% 5.6% 2.5% 3.1% 13. When you are deciding where to recreate in the outdoors in Pennsylvania, how much of a role does each of the following play in your decision? (Please check one for each item.) The number of other users you are likely to see The safety and security of the area The time and distance required to get there Your ability to bring your pet(s) The cost to participate (travel, user fees, equipment, etc.) Cleanliness and condition of outdoor recreation facilities Available information and adequate signage Educational activities (e.g. campfire programs, guided hikes) Accessibility for people with disabilities Available cell phone/wi-fi coverage Not Important 27.7% 4.0% 6.6% 48.5% Somewhat Important 51.5% 21.3% 40.4% 25.1% Very Important 20.8% 74.6% 53.1% 26.4% Mean 8.5% 47.2% 44.3% 1.8% 19.8% 78.4% 2.77 7.1% 48.9% 43.9% 29.2% 51.1% 19.7% 2.37 1.91 24.3% 36.0% 35.9% 37.3% 39.8% 26.7% 1.93 2.71 2.46 1.78 2.36 2.16 1.91 14. What is the single most important thing that parks and outdoor recreation agencies/organizations could do to help you participate in outdoor recreation in Pennsylvania? __________________________________________________________________________________________________ 15. The next two questions are about Marcellus Shale (natural gas)-related activity in Pennsylvania and its potential effects on outdoor recreation. Have you encountered Marcellus Shale (natural gas)-related activity when participating in outdoor recreation in Pennsylvania? 17.3% Yes 82.7% No 16. Has Marcellus Shale-related activity in Pennsylvania changed your outdoor recreation behaviors or experiences? 12.3% Yes (If yes, please explain _________________________________________________________________) 87.7% (If no, please explain ____________________________________________________________________) 9 In the next set of questions, we would like to learn more about your attitudes regarding recreation and conservation. 17. Please answer each item on a scale of 1 - 5 where 1 indicates Strongly Disagree and 5 indicates Strongly Agree. Open Space and Trails a. There is not enough protected open space near where I live. b. I would be more likely to use a trail if it was within easy walking distance from where I live. c. It is important that greenways/trails connect neighborhoods with schools, shopping areas, parks, and open spaces. d. Communities in Pennsylvania should do more to reconnect citizens to the riverfront. Public Recreation Quality e. Public recreation areas near where I live are well maintained. f. Public recreation areas near where I live are not safe. g. Streams and rivers near where I live are in poor condition. h. Public outdoor recreation areas where I live are in need of upgrades and modernization. Public Recreation Availability i. Local waterways for boating and fishing opportunities are inaccessible near where I live. j. There are enough public recreation areas close to where I live. k. Public recreation areas and programs near where I live are accessible to people with disabilities. l. Maintaining the public outdoor recreation areas and facilities we now have is more important than adding new outdoor recreation areas and facilities in Pennsylvania. m. There is sufficient access to big game hunting areas near where I live. n. There is sufficient access to small game hunting areas near where I live. o. Municipalities in my area should join together to form a parks and recreation department. Parks and Recreation Policy p. The State needs to increase its permanent source of funding for park and recreation opportunities based on general tax revenues q. My municipality should have a permanent source of funding for park and recreation opportunities derived from general tax revenues. r. My local community focuses too much on sports fields and not enough on trails and parks. s. Parks, trails, and open space are an essential component of our health care system. t. Local park and recreation services should do more to connect with Pennsylvanians through online content and social media. u. My community does not offer enough opportunities for children to engage in unstructured, natural play. Percentage 4 and 5 Means Percent “Don’t Know” 43.9% 3.32 12.9% 69.2% 4.04 6.4% 58.2% 3.69 7.8% 63.0% 3.86 12.6% Percentage 4 and 5 Means Percent “Don’t Know” 62.2% 13.8% 28.1% 3.73 2.16 2.79 7.3% 10.3% 13.4% 45.3% 3.33 9.2% Percentage 4 and 5 Means Percent “Don’t Know” 25.7% 2.59 22.0% 40.3% 3.18 7.3% 51.2% 3.44 37.0% 57.3% 3.65 8.7% 50.5% 3.35 44.3% 51.9% 3.40 42.6% 60.3% 3.71 22.7% Percentage 4 and 5 Means Percent “Don’t Know” 59.1% 3.67 20.8% 58.4% 3.65 19.4% 49.0% 3.41 19.6% 77.3% 4.20 7.6% 57.5% 3.69 18.0% 42.5% 3.21 22.4% 10 18a. How important to you are each of the following priorities for funding outdoor recreation and conservation efforts? Percentage 4 and 5 Means a. Acquire and protect open space (as undeveloped, conserved land) 66.5% 3.89 b. Acquire additional land and water areas for developed recreation 53.2% 3.54 c. Maintain existing park and recreation areas 88.7% 4.44 d. Provide environmental and conservation programs 64.4% 3.83 e. Provide recreation programs at parks and recreation areas 62.0% 3.76 f. Protect wildlife and fish habitat 84.0% 4.36 g. Build more greenways/trails 60.9% 3.74 h. Restore damaged rivers and streams 80.9% 4.28 i. Build pedestrian and cycling paths between places of work, parks, schools, and shopping areas 60.8% 3.71 18b. From the list of priorities in the above question, which one do you consider the highest funding priority in PA? _____ (Please write in letter from question above.) Percentage Highest Funding Priority 2014 Percent Highest Funding Priority 2009 a. Acquire and protect open space (as undeveloped, conserved land) 13.9% 17.4% b. Acquire additional land and water areas for developed recreation 4.3% 3.7% c. Maintain existing park and recreation areas 32.0% 21.9% d. Provide environmental and conservation programs 2.0% 3.5% e. Provide recreation programs at parks and recreation areas 2.2% 4.1% f. Protect wildlife and fish habitat 17.4% 18.4% g. Build more greenways/trails 3.1% 3.5% h. Restore damaged rivers and streams 11.3% 10.7% i. Build pedestrian and cycling paths between places of work, parks, schools, and shopping areas 10.5% 9.3% j. Provide information on recreation opportunities N/A 3.7% k. Assist local government with open space and recreation plans N/A .7% l. Assist local government in creating park and recreation departments N/A 1.3% m. Other (please specify _______________________________) 3.2% 1.8% 11 19a. How important are the following sources when you are seeking outdoor recreation information in Pennsylvania? (1 – Not at all Important, 5 – Extremely Important) a. Visitor or welcome centers b. Newspaper/magazine articles c. Friends/relatives/word of mouth d. Travel guide/tour books e. Maps/brochures f. E-mail or text messages g. Television/radio h. Internet i. Social media (Facebook/Twitter/You Tube) j. Community newsletters k. Mobile/smart phone applications Percentage 4 and 5 48.8% 42.6% 66.8% 46.5% 62.3% 25.5% 33.6% 50.8% 27.1% 46.3% 25.1% Mean 3.34 3.24 3.84 3.34 3.71 2.65 2.98 3.36 2.57 3.29 2.49 19b. From the list of information sources in the above question, which one do you use the most? _____ (Please write in letter from question above.) a. Visitor or welcome centers b. Newspaper/magazine articles c. Friends/relatives/word of mouth d. Travel guide/tour books e. Maps/brochures f. E-mail or text messages g. Television/radio h. Internet i. Social media (Facebook/Twitter/You Tube) j. Community newsletters k. Mobile/smart phone applications Percent 7.9% 15.0% 20.4% 6.5% 10.7% 1.7% 5.4% 23.6% 2.3% 4.4% 1.3% 12 Section 4: Demographics Finally, we would like to ask you a few questions about yourself and your family. All information will be treated confidentially and will never be linked with your name. 20. How would you describe where you live? 16.6% City 39.3% Suburb 17.8% Town 26.3% Rural Area 21. What was the highest grade of school you have completed? (please check one) 1.5% Grade School 7.7% Technical School 25.8% College Graduate 26.5% High School Graduate 18.6% Some College 19.9% Post Graduate 22. How many people currently live in your household? Adults (18 years or older): Mean: 2.07 Children: Mean: .85 23. What is your gender? (check one answer) 24. How old are you? 50% Male 50% Female Range: 21 – 99 Age Percent 18 to 35 6.8% 36 to 50 20.3% 51 to 64 37.5% 65 and Older 35.4% Average Age = 58.84 25a. Do you, or anyone in your household, have a physical disability that affects your ability to participate in outdoor recreation? 15.0% Yes, I have a disability 8.8% Yes, someone else in my household has a disability 76.1% No, no one in my household has a disability 25b. If yes, what accommodations could be made to improve your ability to engage in outdoor recreation activities? _______________________________________________________________________________________________ 26. Which of the following categories best describes your race and/or ethnic background? (check all that apply) 91.6% White 0.3% American Indian or Alaskan Native 4.8% Black or African 0.0% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific American Islander 1.3% Asian 2.1% Other, specify ____________________ 27. Are you Hispanic or Latino? 1.8% Yes 98.2% No 28. Into which income group would you say your household falls? (Please check one.) Refused/Don’t Know treated as missing data 3.5% Less than $10,000 8.3% $10,000 to $19,999 17.9% $20,000 to $39,999 19.8% $40,000 to $59,999 17.0% $60,000 to $79,999 13.6% $80,000 to $99,999 7.0% $100,000 to $119,999 3.3% $120,000 to $139,999 9.7% $140,000 or more 12.0% Refused/Don’t Know Thank you for completing this survey! Please mail it back in the postage-paid envelope provided.
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