A search for order in the spatial aspects of recreational trip making
Date
1973
Authors
Thompson, Derek
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Abstract
The home of the recreator and the site of the recreational experience are often separated in space. The physical characteristics of this spatial disassociation vary with the recreational pursuit such that, for most people, regional parks are much farther from their residence than municipal though closer than national parks. The theme which unifies recreation is movement and in particular the choice among spatial alternatives as expressed in observed behaviour.
In this thesis elementary theories, relating city structure and residential location to the locational behaviour of recreators, are examined, given the peculiar characteristics of Victoria, British Columbia. Using the inferential methods of previous research the study extended that research by consideration of the factors of previous behaviour, type of recreation, distance between home and recreation facilities and the spatial distribution of those opportunities. Simple hypotheses were set up and tested, using non parametric statistics, in an attempt to construct a detailed picture of the importance and interrelationships of the factors being studied.
It was shown that the factors of trip type and environmental configuration determined the pattern of behaviour. The former factor determines the information used in decisions while the latter controls . the extent and detail of that knowledge. The exact nature of the interplay between these and associated factors is, however, beyond the scope of the present study.
The results should not be interpreted as a rejection of the earlier work since in these studies the effect of only one set of conditions, environmental configuration, was studied, therefore it was not possible to show the interplay of the various factors.
In the course of the study a schema of the recreational decision making process was developed. This portrays the key variables and their interrelationships as established by studies completed to date. The results of the current study contribute to the understanding of that interplay. Further case studies, by geographers, psychologists and sociologists, are required in an effort to obtain more exact understanding of this process.
The choice among spatial locations is a part of the wider question relating to the choice of ways of spending free time. Not all the alternatives involve movement beyond the individual's residence. All do, however, require understanding if planning is not to waste the potential of the vast populations with which it will be dealing in the future. Great economic and social costs will be incurred if future facilities are not of the type which, or in the location where, the population requires.