A Model for Evaluation of Forest Parks Visitor's Recreational Needs (Case Study: Daland's Forest Park)

Background and Nowadays, industrialization, urbanization and time shortage are driving forces behind the extremely increased demand for natural areas and outdoor recreation. Natural Forest Parks are the most popular natural destinations that can provide human's outdoor recreational needs. A recreational system should be prepared based on different needs of various users to be responsible for visitors’ needs.
In the present study, Clawson method was used to evaluate the visitors’ outdoor recreational needs in Daland's Natural Forest Park, located in the east of Gorgan, Iran. In addition, U-Mann Witheny test was used to investigate the relation among genders and criteria of incentive to attend the park, acceptable crowd of area, and the best way to ensure park’s security. In this study, 168 questionnaires were filled out by the visitors to the Park in summer and autumn in 2011. Questions were about visitor's recreational interests and recreation facilities of the park.
The results showed that most visitors come to the park to get mental relaxation and recreation and 94% of the people believe that the facilities of the park are not enough. U–Mann Witheny test results showed a significant difference between the two investigation groups and the mentioned criteria.
According to the results, most visitors spend their leisure time in the forest parks, so at regional context, the managers should pay more attention to visitors satisfaction in this type of areas compared with other types of natural recreational areas. The results can help managers and planners in parks management, fulfilling visitor's wishes and needs, improving park quality and optimal management.