Socio-spatial constraints and facilitators of racially and ethnically diverse park visitation: A case study of U.S. urban park agency directors

While urban parks are often positioned as multicultural recreation spaces bringing together racially and ethnically diverse visitors, there is mixed evidence regarding such contributions. A variety of factors can constrain or facilitate park visitation among diverse audiences; however, less is known about the factors that impact the diversity of visitors (i.e., mix of visitors from different racial or ethnic backgrounds). With their systems-level knowledge, park agency directors may be especially well positioned to identify socio-spatial constraints and facilitators of diverse visitation. This qualitative study included semi-structured interviews (N = 16) with U.S. urban park agency directors to assess their perceptions of the socio-spatial factors impacting park visitor diversity. Thematic analysis suggests three primary factors working in tandem via constraining and/or facilitating effects and impacts on park welcomeness: (a) legacy of segregation, (b) park condition/safety, and (c) park type/design. Findings demonstrate urban park directors’ understanding of historic and contemporary influences of visitor diversity.