Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Leisure Research

Publisher

National Recreation and Parks Association

Publication Date

1-1969

Volume

1

Issue

1

Disciplines

Forest Management | Forest Sciences | Life Sciences

Abstract

Lack of information is a primary factor accounting for visitors jamming recreation sites, overflowing onto highway rights-of-way and blocking facilities [5, p. 95]. In attempting to attain an even distribution of visitors, the importance of information signing as a management tool is often overlooked. Oxenfeldt indicates that advertising (information) alters behavior most efficiently when it supplies information customers are seeking [4, p. 471]. Tocher and Kearns noted in visitor characteristic studies that travelers seek different experiences when touring than when at home or work [6]. Information signs may lead the visitor to these different experiences. Hypothesizing that signs can influence facility use patterns, researchers at Utah State University in 1964 and 1965 conducted a visitor use and motivation study in the Logan Canyon Recreation Complex, Utah. (The original study from which portions of these data were obtained was initiated by S. Ross Tocher, Instructor, University of Michigan while he was a member of the College of Natural Resources Faculty at Utah State University.) This report focuses on two questions: (1) do information signs help distribute visitors more evenly? and (2) do information signs stimulate greater use of a previously unsigned roadside rest area?

Keywords

Recreation Sites, Visitor Distribution, Visitor Use, Information Signs, Influence

Rights

Copyright 1969 National Recreation and Parks Association

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