Date of Award

Spring 2006

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Education (MSEd)

Department

Human Movement Sciences

Program/Concentration

Physical Education

Committee Director

Edwin Gomez

Committee Member

Elizabeth Dowling

Committee Member

Lynn Ridinger

Call Number for Print

Special Collections LD4331.E44 P75 2006

Abstract

Dog parks are growing in popularity across the United States, yet are under researched in the field of recreation and leisure. The purpose of this study is to investigate the current state of research on dog parks, while also exploring the relationships that exist between perceived benefits, social trust, identification with people and place, and dog park usage. On-site surveys were collected from dog park users at two Hampton Roads dog parks between Fall 2003 and Fall 2005. Statistical analyses were run on the data to determine if there was a difference in park usage patterns between various demographic groups (according to gender, income, marital status, and location). Analyses were also run on the variables measuring social trust, identification with a psychological group, and benefits, as they relate to park usage. Results showed that there is a significant difference in park usage according to gender, marital status, and park location. Income did not play a significant role in predicting park usage. Additionally, there was no difference found in the perception of benefits experienced by users at each park, thus, both groups perceived their benefits equally. These results validate current literature in the field and indicate the need for more studies on dog parks. Additionally, future research recommendations were addressed.

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In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

DOI

10.25777/05d9-nt68

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