June 2014 - Parks & Recreation - 49

at local trails may indicate that they are effective ways
to connect future children and young adults to nature.
Due to the cost of participation in various activities, we
must also consider a person's financial situation as a possible entry barrier for utilizing trails. As with many leisure
engagements, the cost of participation can vary. A person
can hit the trail with just the shoes and clothes they al-

One aspect of trail use that warrants
consideration for recreation
professionals is the potential for social
interaction.
ready own, minimizing costs to access trails for various
uses. On the other side of the spectrum are activities that
require equipment sold at much higher costs and aimed
at individuals who perhaps have a different type of recreation outcome in mind. Items such as heart-rate monitors,
GPS devices, premium running shoes, selected bicycles
,and other gear and technology can increase the cost associated with trail use and present possible activity barriers. Because participation costs depend on the activity
itself and the quality of gear and technology selected by
the participant, most costs associated with trail use can be
considered self-selected barriers.
Trails also are adaptable to a participant's particular
needs. Trail use begins early in the morning and continues
well after dark, usually until late at night. Young adults,
more so than others, need recreation access that is flexible,
allowing them to schedule their recreation time within the
many other responsibilities and constraints that are typical in young adulthood. Another benefit of trail use for
recreation and fitness is that the participant can decide the
length and intensity of their experience. Trail users can
take an extended walk after work or jump on the trail for a
quick 30-minute run when their schedule permits.
One aspect of trail use that warrants consideration for
recreation professionals is the potential for social interaction through specific programming or by coincidence.
For instance, many local running stores and bike shops
are hubs for group activities and offer runs or rides many
times a week with other interested individuals. Often these
groups intentionally include all those interested, from be-

ginners to advanced, to develop the social atmosphere and
sense of community. Such groups are great for people new
to the area or activity and can serve as effective marketers for both the trail and whatever fitness pursuit is taking
place. Conversely, trails are often outlets for individuals
seeking solitary experiences. These users enjoy being
alone when directly engaged in their recreation, and trails
easily provide such isolation.
Due to the wide range of benefits and the ease of access, trail systems are quite important to every community's young adult population. Park professionals must
ensure that these gateways to recreation continue to be
easily accessible, well-developed, continually maintained
and socially cultivated. A good trail system that is safe,
well-connected and well-maintained will provide the
greatest benefit and garner the most use from young adults
and others in every community.
Jody Baker is a Recreation Leader III with Tulsa County Parks in Tulsa,
Oklahoma (jbaker@tulsacounty.org). Michael Bradley, Ph. D., is an
Assistant Professor at Eastern Kentucky University (michael.bradley@
eku.edu).

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June 2014 - Parks & Recreation

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