Equity, identity, and representation in outdoor recreation: ‘I am not an outdoors person’

Abstract

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine the recreational experiences of African American residents in Hillsborough County, Florida at varied levels: institutional, recreational, and personal. To investigate the intricacy of perceptions and experiences among African Americans in the context of outdoor recreation, the first author used qualitative methods to provide in-depth investigation into African American residents’ perceptions of recreation in Hillsborough County, Florida. Our analysis revealed four overarching themes: 1) Racialised Outdoor Leisure Identity, 2) Representation Matters, 3) Recreational Constraints and Opportunities, and 4) Equity in Leisure Experiences. The findings of this study add to the literatures on outdoor leisure identity and recreation of African Americans and their perceptions of outdoor identity, why representation matters, how safety constraints are negotiated, especially among women respondents, and of residents’ perceptions of equity within their parks.