This study looked at the recreation preferences of the growing immigrant Latino population in Cache Valley, Utah. The authors pointed out that most research in this area looks at why minority groups are not recreating in the same places or with the same frequency as the dominant white population in the United States. Taking a different approach, these researchers aimed to understand where and in what kind of leisure activities Latinos actually were engaged, and how they defined recreation. To this end, the researchers conducted 30 semi-structured interviews, each of which was accompanied by a mapping exercise in which participants pointed out places in Cache Valley where they spent leisure time. This included churches, shopping malls and movie theatres as well as parks and other outdoor recreation sites. Most participants defined recreation broadly as gathering with friends or family outside their home (either indoors or outdoors) for fun and enjoyment. Some participants also mentioned attributes of recreation such as rest and relaxation, activities outside in the fresh air, planned activities, or physical activity, but many also expressed the sentiment that these activities were for non-winter months, when it was warmer.
Despite a large number of federal lands and recreation sites nearby, researchers found that most outdoor activity took place at three municipal parks, one of which was located in the area with the highest Latino population. Participants also recreated in national forests, but mainly near places with facilities and access to lakes or rivers. Participants said that they heard about these areas mostly by word of mouth, and they expressed preferences for parks with facilities like bathrooms, picnic areas, and fields. In addition, they also tended to express a preference for places with water features, as well as plenty of room for large family gatherings. Suitability of the site for children, scenery, seclusion from the city bustle, and proximity to home were also important.
In general, Latino immigrants who participated in the survey seemed to define recreation more broadly than mainstream groups. Wildlands and undeveloped outdoor sites were rarely part of this definition.
The researchers suggest that in order for managers to address the needs of a changing multi-cultural population, it is critical to understand how different groups see recreation, how and which sites are used and what drives decision-making in recreation. Previously the land and facilities managers who were interviewed as an initial step in the study believed that Latino recreation needs were already being met by existing efforts. In order to achieve just and equitable access to recreation, the authors suggest that it is critical to acknowledge and value differences between groups separate from white norms, while ensuring that management decisions do not reinforce ethnic and racial segregation.
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