Transportation as a Barrier to Visiting National Parks by Communities of Color
Project ID: J8W07110032
Federal Agency: National Park Service
Partner Institution: University of Vermont and State Agriculture College
Fiscal Year: 2011
Initial Funding: $98,256
Total Funding: $98,256
Project Type: Research
Project Disciplines: Social
National Park: Washington Office
Principal Investigator: Manning, Robert
Agreement Technical Representative: Mihalic, Jeri
Abstract: Research has shown transportation to be a barrier to visitation to parks and public lands for many communities of color. Research that examines transportation issues for communities of color can assist parks in removing barriers to access, allowing parks to better engage traditionally underserved populations. This is a collaborative project to examine transportation issues for selected national park units and surrounding communities of color. Case study methodology will be used to identify and explore how transportation options and knowledge impact access to national parks for communities of color. This project will be accomplished through study of two or more NPS units and consists of three stages. In stage 1, case study methodology will be used to identify and explore how transportation options and knowledge impact access to national parks for communities of color and how these options and knowledge can be addressed in Long Range Transportation Planning (LRTP). In stage 2, community residents will be surveyed regarding use and knowledge of transportation opportunities to local national park units. Stage 3 work involves identifying potential ways to improve transportation to parks and increase visitation by people of color and ways to use that information in LRTP. In addition to recommendations for specific park units, resulting data will be used to identify best practices and emerging principles for addressing transportation barriers for communities of color for parks across the NPS system. NPS will be involved in the project by assisting with design and review of the survey, and collaborating in identification for developing a transportation system that meets the needs of local communities of color. The public purpose of the project is to provide greater understanding of transportation as a barrier to park access among communities of color to help inform long-term management of transportation in and around national parks. This information is necessary to help traditionally underserved populations have more engagement with national parks.
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