TOWARD A PHENOMENOLOGY OF RECREATION PLACE

This study uses a process-tracing methodology to examine qualitative aspects of the person-place relationship. Eighteen participants completed a series of decisions concerning intentions to visit outdoor recreation sites. Each participant 'thought-aloud' during the decision-making process and described thoughts and feelings that influenced their decisions. The resulting verbal transcripts were content analysed and revealed that specific qualities of landscape infuse a site with a sense of place for some individuals. Significantly different life-worlds became apparent as some participants identified with natural pristine places whereas others identified with developed places. Past experience heavily influenced decisions as places were sensed as a combination of setting, landscape, ritual, routine and in the context of other places. Implications for future research and natural recreation site management are discussed. © 1992 Academic Press Ltd.