Year of Award

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

Master of Arts (MA)

Degree Name

Economics

Department or School/College

Economics

Committee Chair

Katrina Mullan

Commitee Members

Douglas Dalenberg, Will Rice

Keywords

Non-Market, Travel Cost Valuation, Urban Parks, Sports Facilities, Mobility Data

Subject Categories

Behavioral Economics | Other Economics | Spatial Science

Abstract

This study applies the travel cost valuation method to urban parks in the State of Montana in an effort to determine whether parks with attributes related to exercise have greater value for recreationalists. By observing real recreation behaviour of urban park visitors through the use of cellphone mobility data, recreational demand for varying parks can be ascertained. To model recreational demand, the random utility model (RUM) and multinomial logit model (MNL) are leveraged to understand choice probabilities of parks, based on the attributes of parks, including sports facilities and trails. This study finds that there are positive and significant relationships between park choice probabilities and amenities like sports facilities and trails. The implied willingness-to-pay estimates suggest that marginal increases in exercise-related amenities at urban parks present real monetary value for Montanans, a result that is amplified when value is aggregated. By demonstrating that these amenities contribute significantly to park value, this study provides empirical evidence for prioritizing infrastructure related to exercise as a means of improving use values and promoting community wellbeing through physical activity.

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© Copyright 2025 Clemens Walter Wilson