PSU - Special Reports and Presentations

Focus groups in communities

Recently, the PSU has conducted focus groups in communities near parks to find out why particular racial and ethnic groups do not visit their local national parks. The resulting data provides interesting insights into why some people do not visit.

SAGU 2012

65% of focus group participants were bilingual or spoke English only; 35% spoke Spanish only.

A Saguaro NP focus group participant commented:

"On the park website in particular, I would suggest not only having the information in Spanish, but having the option of switching into Spanish from the outset, so the website in English and Spanish have the same arrangement and 'amenities'. As it is, the Spanish version is just a written translation of the information; no photos, no 'Did you know?' To be blunt, it is insulting. It is telling me I am not worth the extra effort."

CONG 2011

A Congaree NP focus group participant commented:

"...to reach multi-cultural audiences...have multicultural rangers. Because even if there’s more visibility, if you’re trying to reach African-Americans and you’re constantly showing me Caucasians and their perceptions of the park, I still don’t feel connected. If I see a Black ranger, then I’m thinking, ok, if they’re having fun out there, maybe there is something out there for me."

Ticketing System Study, 2011

The PSU conducted a three-part study of the ticketing system at World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, consisting of 1) a survey of park visitors, 2) focus groups with commercial tour company operators, and 3) a case study of ticketing systems at other recreational, cultural, and historical sites.

5002_VALR_rept.pdf

ISSRM Burlington, VT, 2008, ppt presentation

PowerPoint panel presentation on "A Profile of US National Park Visitation: An Application of the VSP Method."