Field observations of White, Black, and Hispanic groups in 13 Chicago neighborhood and regional parks found significant differences in activities according to age, sex, size of group, social composition, and ethnicity, suggesting that meaningful social and cultural differences between ethnic and racial subgroups produce distinctive patterns of…

A study examined why therapeutic recreation practitioners participate in continuing professional education. The most significant motivators identified were previous continuing education activity and reinforcement by significant others. (Author/JN)

Two similar wilderness areas, one of which charges user fees, were sampled in order to compare user characteristics, trip characteristics, and travel cost demand functions. The purpose was to examine the effect fees had on user behavior and choices of area. Results are presented. (MT)

Presents a descriptive model of enduring risk recreation involvement to promote understanding of the complex nature of risk recreation and factors influencing enduring involvement. The model addresses psychosocial antecedents underlying attraction and coping, cognitive appraisal, decision making, performance experiences, and processes underlying…

Responses of community residents, park and recreation employees, and city council members (N=800) to a survey regarding equitable allocation of public resources for park and recreation services revealed that the groups' opinions differed according to their decision-making role and the services provided. (Author/CB)

Collection of papers discusses constraints on participation in leisure activities, examining relationships between constraints and participation, the impact of constraints on participation, validation of interest and frequency of participation categories in constraints research, the relationship between active loyalty and perceived constraints,…

This study focuses on a comparison of the dimensional structure regarding how often individuals participate in a set of leisure activities and what significance is attached to the activities by the participants. Factors were labeled cultural, organizational, and sports/games. (JN)

The results from this study indicate that on the basis of annual participation rates, distinct groups of recreation users do exist for some outdoor activities; the question is raised of how best public resources for recreation should be distributed. (JD)

Interviews were conducted with 723 individuals to determine: (1) if leisure activities have similar or disparate aggregate participation distributions; and (2) if a theoretical distribution describes aggregate participation in leisure. Weekly participation for 30 leisure activities was tested, and the results were compared with those in a national…

The level of discourse theory was empirically tested to determine its usefulness to researchers in selecting independent variables for population and subpopulation models of leisure participation. Recommendations for combining social aggregate and social action independent variables in population and subpopulation participation models are…

The change in the percentage of personal consumption expenditures for recreation was investigated. Transportation, food, housing, and medical care expenditures were also examined. Results indicate that the proportion of personal consumption expenditures for transportation, food, and housing did not increase while recreation and medical care…

To critique the adventure model of risk recreation, researchers surveyed three methods of assessing levels of participant engagement (skill level, self-reported experience, and perceived importance of the activity or involvement) in rock climbing. Experience and involvement demonstrated a relationship between level of engagement and motivations.…

A study examined how older adults in five large American cities use their local parks. Specifically, the study examined: (1) user motivation and satisfaction; (2) logistics of park use; (3) onsite behavior and attitudes; and (4) criticisms of the park environment. Implications for park management are given. (Author/PP)

An instrument was devised to test three components of leisure attitudes: cognitive, affective, and behavioral. A final test was administered to 1,042 subjects. The results supported the use of the three components in testing for leisure attitudes. (FG)