Wisconsin recreation survey, 1986

Author

Penaloza, Linda J.

Date

• 1989

Publisher

Madison, Wisconsin: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Summary

• The 1986 Wisconsin Recreation Survey was conducted to determine the characteristics, attitudes, and preferences of those Wisconsin residents who used our state parks in 1986 and those who did not. In August 1986 a survey was mailed to 1,373 randomly selected Wisconsin residents between the ages of 16 and 87. The response rate was 76%; 65% of the respondents were nonusers of state parks, while 35% were park users. Nonusers were generally older than users, had less time available for leisure or recreation, and were less interested in most recreational activities. Even so, nonusers shared many outdoor recreational intersts with users, such as fishing, hunting, and camping, yet they were less likely to engage in these activities. Lack of time, lack of interest, and lack of information were the primary barriers to the use of state parks. Childhood experience was also a significant factor in influencing adult recreation choices. This study concludes that information dissemination is the most effecftive method for encouraging nonusers to regularly use state parks and for socializing children toward outdoor recreational experiences.