FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 18, 2001
Visitor Survey Reveals 96 Percent
Of Park Visitors Satisfied
TALLAHASSEE -- The Florida Park Service
contracted with the University of Florida, Center For Tourism
Research and Development to conduct a Florida state parks visitor
survey during calendar year 2000. The Project was part of a
five-year operational review program initiated in 1995.
"The purpose of the project was to
determine visitor satisfaction with Florida’s state parks and to
evaluate the quality and effectiveness of the Florida state park
system," said Mike Bullock, assistant director of DEP’s
Division of Recreation and Parks.
Sixty-five percent of the respondents were
Florida residents and 4.5 percent were international visitors. The
remainder were from other U.S. states. Results of the survey
indicate a high level of approval of state park management
practices, facilities, and programs.
For almost every variable, the 2000 scores were
better than those of 1995. Scores indicate almost unanimous
agreement with the positive statements made about the state parks.
On the upper end of the scale, nearly 99 percent of the
respondents felt that the natural and cultural features were worth
protecting, while 95 percent would like to visit the park again
and 96 percent of the respondents were satisfied with their trip.
Nearly 95 percent felt that state parks are clean and well
maintained, and over 87 percent of respondents agreed that state
park admission fees are fair.
When asked about activities participated in
during their visit, more than 40 percent of the visitors reported
participating in wildlife observation, hiking, picnicking and
swimming. Approximately one-third of the visitors reported bird
watching, visiting museums or visitor centers, communing with
nature, or visiting historical or cultural features as their
activity of choice while visiting a state park. Over 85 percent of
the visitors were satisfied with natural features of the park,
relaxing atmosphere, picnicking, swimming, hiking trails, cultural
features, camping, boating, canoeing, sailing, kayaking, museums,
nature or visitor centers, interpretive activities and bicycling.
General attitudes about state parks and their
benefits to society were also very favorable.
Respondents agreed that parks performed a
number of important functions. Over 99 percent of respondents felt
that parks were important for preserving resources for future
generations.
Nearly 99 percent agreed that parks were
important as habitat for wildlife while almost 98 percent agreed
with the parks being important locations for recreational
opportunities and pursuits. Nearly 95 percent of respondents felt
parks were important as providers of clean air and water, while 89
percent agreed that parks were important in assisting the
recharging of aquifers. Slightly over 89 percent felt that parks
were important as areas for research and data collection.
"Interestingly, Florida state parks are
important destinations for residents and non-residents
alike," said Dr. Andrew Holdnak, UF project manager for the
survey. "Slightly more than one-third of the visitors came
from out-of-state or foreign countries. Visitors to parks
contribute to the local economy by staying in campgrounds, local
hotels and condominiums and dining in local restaurants. Visitors
often favorably compared Florida state parks to parks in their
home areas."
The survey responses indicated that
improvements could be made in picnic facilities, electrical
hook-ups, boat ramps, interpretive facilities and concession
merchandise.
"The Florida Park Service is very pleased
with the positive response to the survey," said Bullock.
"We will use this valuable visitor feedback as the basis for
future actions to improve even further our park operations and
visitor services."
We would
like to hear from you regarding your experiences while at a
particular Florida State Park and how you found the services,
activities, and environment while visiting! /p>
-30-
