Garrett Hutson

Perceptions of outdoor recreation professionals toward place meanings in natural environments : a Q-method inquiry

Abstract Although person-place relationships have been studied, there is a need for a better understanding of the relationship between theory and the meanings attributed to places by practitioners. Using Q-methodology to capture subjective perceptions of experience, this study investigated the place meanings of a diverse sample of outdoor recreation professionals. Thirty participants completed a theoretically-grounded sorting procedure (Q-sort) beginning with the question: “How do you find meaning in a place in the out-of-doors?” Analysis followed Q methodology procedures (correlation, factor analysis, rotation) and resulted in three subjective views toward place: Relational, Natural, or Spiritual. Practically, outdoor programming can be intentionally designed according to diversity in place meanings. Theoretically, this study describes a useful research strategy for exploring subjectivity in leisure contexts.

Stakeholder views of place meanings along the Niagara Escarpment: an exploratory Q methodological inquiry.

The sentiments people attach to natural environments have been highlighted in place-based research literature to explore the nature and power of person–place relationships. Although person–place relationships have been studied, there is a need for a better understanding of the relationships between the meanings attributed to specific natural settings and the potential of those meanings to translate into pro-environmental behaviours as well as to influence land management decisions. The purpose of this exploratory study is to describe typologies of place meaning for a small group of people who recreate on the Niagara Escarpment in southern Ontario, Canada. Participants performed a Q-sorting procedure followed by Q methodology procedures including (1) correlation of the sorts, (2) principal components analysis of the correlation, (3) factor rotation, and (4) factor interpretation. Results represent a typology of Niagara Escarpment views held by a sample of forest recreationists who live in the Niagara Region of southern Ontario. Implications for practice and future research directions are discussed.

A Case Study on Environmental Perspectives of Boulderers and Access Issues at the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve

Currently, there are concerns about access restrictions to bouldering, a form of rock climbing, and other outdoor activities practiced at the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve located near Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. The Niagara Parks Commission is currently in the process of exploring ways to balance protection of the natural area with sustainable recreational use. The purpose of this study was to describe setting perceptions of a husband and wife climbing partnership toward the Niagara Glen using a case study approach. This approach was used to analyze the couple’s experiences and reflections using a place-based conceptual lens to highlight interactions with the Niagara Glen over 12 years. Four major themes were identified with respect to setting perception including: 1) Specific rock memories, 2) Community and friendship, 3) Setting location and 4) Environmental degradation. Implications for environmental perspectives and policy are discussed.

Weaving Place Meanings into Outdoor Recreation Sustainability: The Case of the Niagara Glen

While the academic discussion of ‘place’ continues to evolve within research and practice domains, there remains little agreement to which place concepts and constructs are most useful to the topic of outdoor recreation sustainability and its potential to drive a more robust practice of environmental sensitivity and care. It is generally accepted within the place-based research literature that people are more likely to protect places that hold special meaning in their lives (Halpenny, 2010; Hinds & Sparks, 2008; Vaske & Kobrin, 2001). Additionally, the research literature suggests that outdoor recreation may be one catalyst for developing meaningful relationships with outdoor places (Ewert, Place, & Sibthorp, 2005). Therefore, it is reasonable to surmise that special relationships with outdoor recreation places may be one area that deserves further exploration to advance the topic of outdoor recreation sustainability. Exploring ways to further illuminate, and put into practice, the connections between place concepts and outdoor recreation sustainability is the purpose of this chapter.