Variations in the perception of urban forest recreation sites

Abstract

This study demonstrates a procedure for detecting variations in the perceived quality of urban forest recreation sites. Observers viewed photographs of a wide range of sites and rated the perceived quality of each. Factor analysis of the interrater correlation matrix revealed two predominant groups of individuals, one favoring natural‐appearing forest settings and the other preferring well‐developed city parks. Individuals who have spent most of their lives in urban areas were more likely to prefer developed parks, and individuals who have spent most of their lives in suburban or rural areas were more likely to prefer natural forests.