Expanding the toolbox: Assessing methods for local outdoor recreation planning

Franziska Komossa,Flurina M Wartmann,Peter H Verburg

doi:10.1016/j.landurbplan.2021.104105

Abstract

Growing demand for outdoor recreation puts pressure on highly-frequented peri-urban areas. In the Netherlands, a more equal distribution of recreationists has been proposed by the Dutch government to relieve pressure on overcrowded recreation hotspots. Devising landscape planning strategies that redirect recreation flows requires reliable data on areas that people currently use and what areas would also be suitable for recreation. Such data may not be available for local planners. The objective of this study was therefore to analyse how different data gathering methods can support local recreation planning.For an empirical case study in the Netherlands, we compare data on current and potential use of landscapes for outdoor recreation through participatory mapping, free listing, quantitative photo ranking, and analysis of social media data. Based on maps produced from these different data we interviewed local planners to assess how applicable and relevant the different methods are for planning practice. Local planners indicated they had limited knowledge of and access to scientific methods and insights. Their assessment of different methods suggests that some methods are not yet applied for local planning, such as free listing or participatory mapping. These methods have potential to be used for evidence-based planning, because they require few resources to be implemented. Planners also indicated that using social media data would be interesting, but that the skills required to collect and analyse data are typically not currently in place. Our results show the potential and challenges for research methods to be integrated into local planning practice to distribute recreation flows more effectively.

Highlights

Increasing urbanization and rapid population growth pose major challenges to landscape planning and policy aimed at maintaining and improving landscape quality and providing high-quality recreation op portunities for residents (Cecchini et al, 2018; Colleony et al, 2017)
The focus of this study is on outdoor recreation, an important landscape function or cultural ecosystem service that contributes to people’s sense of well-being and appreciation of their home environment (Buchecker, 2009; Plieninger et al, 2015; Haines-Young & Potschin, 2012)
We investigated the potential use of the landscape for outdoor recreation as approximated through landscape preference using free listing, quanti tative photo ranking, and participatory mapping

Summary

Introduction

Increasing urbanization and rapid population growth pose major challenges to landscape planning and policy aimed at maintaining and improving landscape quality and providing high-quality recreation op portunities for residents (Cecchini et al, 2018; Colleony et al, 2017). This is of particular relevance in peri-urban landscapes that fulfil multiple landscape functions such as agricultural production, urban development, infrastructure, and outdoor recreation (Janssen, 2009; De Vries et al, 2013; Kienast & Degenhardt, 2012). There is still a lack of research on the degree to which such methods are adopted in local landscape planning and decision-making, and how the choice of method potentially influences spatial planning decisions

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