Understanding recreation activity participants as clientele groups of multi-use recreation areas

Abstract

The goals of participants in a given type of recreation activity available in a specific recreation area may be in conflict with those of participants in other types of recreation available in the same area, creating difficult challenges for area managers. Moreover, little is known about the characteristics and behaviour patterns of such groups and how they might differ from one another, leaving managers less equipped to communicate effectively with them than would otherwise be the case. This article helps to fill this information void by comparing the characteristics and behaviour patterns of equestrians, hikers, mountain bikers, and runners on a rail-trail in South Dakota, USA. Significant differences across these activity groups emerged. For example, compared to the other groups, equestrians tended to be older visitors who sought an appreciation of history and nature, almost always in the company of others. Runners, on the other hand, tended to be younger visitors who sought to ‘promote health and fitness’, much less frequently in the company of others. Management implications are discussed.