Survey responses identify community member interest in visiting public gardens and arboreta

An Internet survey was conducted from 28 May to 8 June 2008 to investigate consumer awareness and interest in attending programming offered at The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College (Swarthmore, PA). The study was designed to investigate what traditional and non-traditional programs might attract community members to the arboretum and to identify potential barriers, perceived or real, that might discourage community members from visiting the arboretum. Among demographic groups, more females were interested in "hands-on workshops" (42.5%) and "fact sheets, instructional bulletins, and how-to guides" (37.4%) than males (26.8% and 26.3%, respectively). In examining events and activities, significant differences were found for "wine tasting and tours" and "outdoor concerts and live performances" based on household income; however, no significant differences were found among age groups and other demographics tested. Differences in interest in other activities were apparent based on number of adults and number of children in the household. Public gardens and arboreta can use this information as the foundation for modifying programs and services offered, though input from the community and trialing of alternative programs should be considered before completely changing programs and services offered.