Sense of Inclusion and Race in a Public, Outdoor Recreation Setting: Do Place Meanings Matter?

• DOI: 10.1080/08941920.2022.2045413
• Publication Date: 2022-03-06T02:12:00Z
• Authors: Andrea Armstrong; Brian T. Greene
• Keywords: Sense of Place; Public space; Sense of Community

Just and equitable access to public lands is of critical importance. A key dimension the sense inclusion, or how people feel welcome belonging in space. We analyzed trail users experienced inclusion within a greenspace eastern Pennsylvania, USA. found that color felt less included than whites while on trail, even when controlling for use behaviors, demographic characteristics, other factors. For all users, more positive place meanings associated with their visit social interaction increased inclusion. Overall, our study suggests managers could enhance among by working underrepresented communities identify incorporate into space features.