An Analysis of Outdoor Recreation on Land Slated for Development; Implications for a Social-Ecological System in Boulder, Colorado

Clare Gallagher , Cassandra Brooks

Robust evidence shows that outdoor recreation in natural areas, i.e. places that retain native, ecological character with minimal human intervention, produces public health benefits including physical benefits from exercise, reduced mental stress, increased community connections, heightened place identity, and even increased ecological awareness. But land use planners don’t always formally consider these benefits in their planning, which can create tension amongst recreationalists, public health experts, planners and developers. We were interested in the benefits related to outdoor recreation at a popular, community-regulated natural area in Boulder, Colorado, USA, called CU South, that is slated to be closed to the public for the development of a flood mitigation project and university campus. Using mixed methods from recreation ecology and social-ecological systems framework theory, we showed that visitors highly value recreating at CU South for a wide range of health and community benefits, including customary off-leash dog access in a natural setting. We also showed how this site serves as a community hub where locals gather as part of their daily routine. Finally, we demonstrated that the governing institutions, the University of Colorado Boulder and the City of Boulder, acknowledge recreation occurs on CU South, but have not publicly considered the full suite of current recreation benefits in their development plans.