Garrett Smith Hiking Boulder's Open Space and MountainParks

Garrett’s dissertation is to study the differences in place attachment and recreation specializations between recreation groups. 

Abstract

This study expands upon the research that has been conducted in regard to place attachment, recreation specialization, and motivation between recreation groups. Onsite surveys (n=989) were collected at nine multi-use trailheads managed by the City of Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) department. A Kruskal-Wallis test followed by a Tukey Honesty Significant Difference Test (Tukey HSD) was used to identify differences in place attachment and recreation specialization between four recreation groups. Results showed that trail runners showed a statistically significant difference in place attachment when compared to hikers, mountain bikers, and other recreation groups. Hikers showed a statistically significant difference in recreation specialization when compared to mountain bikers, trail runners, and other recreation groups. One-way ANOVA tests showed that City of Boulder and Non-Boulder residents showed a statistically significant difference in place attachment but not recreation specialization. The top two motivations for all recreation groups was “For physical fitness” and “To enjoy nature”. With the third highest motivation being “To be close to nature” for hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers and “For relaxation” for other recreation groups. A Multinomial Logistic Regression found that recreation activity and gender were significant predictors for choosing level of control or catharsis over the physical setting motivational dimension. Additionally, the multinomial model showed that recreation specialization was a significant predictor for choosing level of control over the physical setting motivational dimension. This research can be used to inform OSMP land managers on how to develop management plans that incorporate a better understanding of the differences between recreation groups and their motivations to recreation on OSMP landscapes.  

Garrett successfully defended his dissertation research on April 9, 2019

He is currently an Adjunct Professor in the Natural Resource Management and Outdoor Recreation Leadership programs at Colorado Mountain College Treeline Campus, Leadville, Colorado

Future Plans

He will continue teaching and will be working on two grants with the City of Boulder over the next year to two years as well as grants with the US Forest Service and Chafee County, CO.