Recipient Organization
UNIV OF CONNECTICUT
438 WHITNEY RD EXTENSION UNIT 1133
STORRS,CT 06269
Performing Department
Plant Science and Landscape Architecture
Non Technical Summary
Physical inactivity contributes to increasing human health risks such as diabetes, anxiety, and other sitting diseases. Studies indicate that childhood obesity in the United States is high compared to other populous countries. Other research show that nearly 30% of U.S. children are either obese or overweight putting them at risk for poor health at a younger age. Overweight and obese children are likely to stay obese into adulthood due presumably to little change in their personal and household lifestyles while they are growing up. There are many factors that may hinder outdoor physical activities, but poor built environment conditions and social constructs can also create little motivation for the enjoyment of outdoor recreation services. These issues not only lead to physical and mental health issues at the individual level, but have community-wide consequences influencing community health, well-being, and resilience. The proposed project will explore mechanisms by which children and families are exposed and connected to trails, forests, parks and greenspaces, and the impacts of exposure on family and community resilience. This is part of the NIMSS NE1962 active multi-state project that examines the roles of outdoor amenities on human health, environmental literacy, and community vibrancy and resilience. Our objective is to integrate landscape architecture and social science to better understand nature-based recreation at the nexus of community vibrancy and resilience. We will employ quantitative methods, including spatial pattern analysis and a multi-modal survey. This project involves significant collaboration with and engagement of community partners through the University of Connecticut Extension system and the existing Connecticut Trail Census Program. Expected outputs include: an inventory and spatial morphological assessment of outdoor recreational amenities in selected study areas, the development of a survey tool assessing perception of amenities, an inventory of mechanisms of exposure to amenities, definition and analysis of indicators of family and community resilience, an analysis of the relationship between measures of resilience, perception and use of amenities, a thesis of graduate student, and presentations and publications in scientific and extension outlets. Findings will inform our understanding of community and family well-being and sense of place, public attachment to the natural environment, human quality of life and community health, and community forces that promote vibrancy and resilience. The results will help community leaders and policy makers understand the role of outdoor recreation amenities in community and family resilience and make informed program and policy decisions to promote healthy lifestyles.
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
3. Demonstrate and expand the evidence for the role of park and outdoor recreation services in promoting community vibrancy and resilience.
Project Methods
The project will be conducted using quantitative methods for two main approaches. One approach is to analyze physical characteristics (e.g., morphology, connectedness, access, gaps, parking and signage, surrounding land use) of trails of study and other green environments in a diverse range of communities, as well as to measure their quantity (size and number of patches) utilizing GIS and geospatial analysis technologies. The other approach involves collection of data through onsite trail user intercept surveys and a mail survey. The goals of conducting surveys are to understand people's use of, and perception over the quality of, trails and other green environments. By incorporating secondary data (U.S. Census Data and/or local-level data) into the analysis, the survey data will serve as important variables for statistical model that aims at examining the relationship between green environments and community resilience. The results will be used by experienced extension staff as well as a wide array of local, regional and community partners. Local communities and outdoor recreation organizations, in particular, will make a good use of the study results in their outreach and public education efforts. Research results will directly inform Connecticut Trail Census educational outreach, including the design of an online statewide trails portal to increase knowledge and information sharing about the wide spectrum of active outdoor opportunities throughout Connecticut. The results will also be indirectly used to cause a change in community members' mindset and behaviors and decision makers' perception to value green environments as a driver of community resilience. Project success will be evaluated by self-evaluation of project process in regards to (a) procedural efficiency of the study, intercept survey, and mail survey; (b) reachability to the proposed target audience; and (c) progress reports on a quarterly-basis. External evaluation will be made by trail management organizations and project partners in the form of a short post-project survey.