1. A CULTURAL USER STUDY OF VAN CORTLANDT PARK
May30, 1998
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Principal Author: Katherine H. Brower, M. S. U. P.
Research Associate, Public Space Research Group
With Setha M. Low, Ph.D., Director
Suzanne Scheld, M. A..,Research Associate
Dana H. Taplin, M. U. P., Associate Director
Public SpaceResearchGroup,
Center for Human Environments
Graduate School and University Center,
City University of New York

2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION
This document summarizes a study of visitors to Van Cortlandt Park undertaken by the
Public Space Research Group (PSRG), a group of faculty and graduate students dedicated to
research on cultural issues in public spaces and associated with the Environmental Psychology
program at CUNY Graduate Center, under contract with the New York City Department of
Parks and Recreation. The two year project consisted of three components: 1) a cultural values
survey of 322 visitors throughout the park; 2) interviews and documentation of behavior within
six selected "ethnographic" areas; and 3) a census count of visitors by sex, age and race, as
they entered selected entrances to the park. The values survey, interviews and documentation
of behavior within six ethnographic areas was conducted between July 1996 and June 1997. The
census count, while intended to be conducted simultaneously, began after the ethnographic
data collection. References to census count material made in this report refer to data collected
between April 1997 and October 1997. A separate report, produced by the firm Metro-
Commute details the findings of the census count for Van Cortlandt Park.
This report highlights the range of culturally diverse groups of park users, their
preferences and patterns of usage and presents irecommendations for physical and
programmatic changes. The study documents who the Van Cortlandt park users are, their
satisfaction with park facilities, conflicts that may exist among visitors, and cultural values
within cultural/ ethnic groups. Analyses of thesieculturally diverse values, activities, concerns
and preferences of users are presented. At the same time, users are represented through their
own words so that they may have a voice in the park's future.
The aim of this report is to generate the necessary cultural knowledge for managing an
urban park in the culturally heterogeneous borough of the Bronx. It is hoped that this range of
cultural knowledge about different user groups, their preferences and usage patterns, and the
recommendations for park improvements will help inform and direct program development as
well as capital development priorities for Van Cortlandt Park.
METHODOLOGY
We approached this research project as an opportunity for community outreach and
increased cultural/ ethnic group involvement. This project was a collaborative effort in which
the research team, the park staff, and the park users worked together to create better
communication and understanding. Researchers carried maps of the park, park information
sheets and newsletters, and were prepared to answer questions about the park as well as about
the project. We approached interviewees as "consultants" who were sharing their valuable
knowledge in order to improve park facilities and program activities. We maintained a close
working relationship with park staff so that our efforts could enhance the staff's ability to
respond to what they perceived as important.
Cluster sampling was used as a way to sample populations who "naturally" form small
groups, or "clusters " according to a more or less shared activity. It was an effective way of
reaching a broad range of cultural grou ps who frequented diverse areas of these fairly large
parks. The sample of visitors was stru ctured so as to include a variety of locations in the park,
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3. times of day, days of the week , different weather conditions, and seasons in order to gather
data on the widest variety of park users over the course of a year. The sample also attempted
to reflect patterns of demographic characteristics of visitors with respect to gender, age and
race. The demographic dimensions to the sample were to be informed by a coinciding census
count. The census count, however, began after the face-to-face surveying had commenced. The
dimensions of the interv iew sample, therefore, were guided by knowledgeable park
representatives.
The interviews, developed in conjunction with Parks Department staff, included twenty-
nine (29) questions about the range of activities visitors participated in while at the park;
special meanings the park held for them; their knowledge of the park as a whole and frequency
of usage; likes, dislikes and desired changes; and basic demographic information, including
country of origin. The interviews were structured with specific questions, yet designed to allow
the visitor to talk about themselves and their use of the park. Interviews were conducted in
English and Spanish.
Six "ethnographic" areas within each park were selected in consultation with Parks staff
for more specialized study in order to get a better understanding of the character and nature of
their use over the year time period. Observations of the variety of users and their patterns of
behavior together with the interviews provide a detailed picture of the usage, function, and
social life of these areas.
The interview responses were coded to allow for the greatest variety of answers and
entered into SPSS and SAS computer statistical packages . In addition, seven questions were
selected for further statistical analysis: 1) activities visitors were engaging in on the day of the
interview; 2) the special meaning the park held for visitors; 3) likes; 4) dislikes; 5) reasons for
choosing to visit Van Cortlandt Park; 6) fears and reasons for fear; and 7) weekday/ weekend
usage. The responses to these questions were cross-tabulated with age, sex, education,
household income, and census group to provide a more detailed picture of different user groups,
their cultural values and park preferences.
FINDINGS: ETHNOGRAPHIC AREAS
1. Southwest Comer
The southwest comer provides a dense and varied number of facilities located within
four distinct areas: the pool; the picnic area; the Van Cortlandt Stadium; and the playgrounds.
The Van Cortlandt House Museum and the Urban Forest Ecology Center, two attractions of the
park that provide cultural and educational programming, are also located within this area.
This area is one of the more heavily frequented areas by visitors who make use of the
large number of active facilities located there as well as by those who walk through on their way
to other places in the park.
Users on the whole like and enjoy the pool. Many of the users interviewed mentioned
having attended picnics or parties in the picnic area and that they liked the trees and the shade.
The stadium building itself, the track, and the field are used by people for running in the
morning, and there are some picnickers and groups who use the field to play various team
sports. By contrast to the more limited use of the stadium for special events, the tennis courts,
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4. paddleball and handball courts are used regularly. People who play paddleball stand out as
the most vocal and unified as a group out of the three groups of court players; they all know
one another, play several times a week throughout the year and see the paddleball courts as a
place for physical and social activity .
Most of the users of the playground area are mothers with children. There are some
young couples with children, a few grandparents with grandchildren as well as teenagers
hanging out. African-Americans, Latinos and Whites make up the majority of users, although
other groups are represented as well. The playground is used throughout the week and
weekend by people who, for the most, part live in nearby neighborhoods.
2. Parade Ground Area
The Parade Grounds Area physically includes the Parade Ground, 150 acres of open
field, and Vault Hill, a large wooded hill, located on the northeastern edge of the Parade
Ground.
The varied usage gives the Parade Ground a very different atmosphere throughout the
day and week: Weekday mornings, runners and walkers make use of the track, while others
walk their dogs, practice their golf swings, or sit and read on park benches . Sometimes parents
or nannies bring their young children or charges to play in the grass or for a quiet stroll through
the park. Weekday afternoons are quieter, although a number of people come with their
young children or come with a friend to walk, socialize or relax. In the Spring, middle
school or junior high school teams/ leagues come to play baseball in the early afternoons. In the
late afternoons and evenings more people come to walk, run or play baseball or other team
sports.
The Parade Ground is most heavily used on the weekends, dominated by organized
group activities that require special permits for cricket, soccer, baseball/softball and
football/rugby teams and leagues. Volleyball is also popular. Runn'ers, walkers, and some
bicyclists continue to use the Parade Ground area on weekends.
There are many special events including the New York City Philharmonic, Metropolitan
Opera, and cross country meets. These diverse events draw users from throughout the city, and
some events from all over the country as well as from the surrounding neighborhoods.
3. Van Cortlandt Lake Area
The Lake Area consists of several distinct areas: the Van Cortlandt Lake, the
Putnam Railroad Trail, the John Kieran Nature Trail, and the Van Cortlandt Golf Course
and Clubhouse.
The highest usage of these areas is on the weekends during the summer, early
fall and spring although there is some weekday usage. Users come to the lake to fish, sail a toy
boat, walk, sit, read, picnic, and feed the ducks or birds. Visitors walk or bicycle on the trails.
4. Woodlawn Playground Area
The Woodlawn Playground Area consists of three distinct areas: Woodlawn
Playground; Gaelic Football Field; and Sean Healy Field. The playground contains a lot of play
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5. equipment for young children as well as some activity areas for older kids and adults. The
Gaelic Football Field is an enclosed football field located just behind and west of the
playground. Sean Healy Field is a softball/ baseball field located just to the north of the
playground.
The pattern of use of the playground is the heaviest during the summer, fall and
late spring, during weekday afternoons and weekend days. Weekday mornings are
quieter year round, with more people arriving and activity increasing during and after the
lunch hours. Mothers mentioned meeting one another for lunch sometimes, as well as the
popular summer free lunch program that attracts a lot of children during the summer months.
Parents with young children make use of the area with the swings, see saw, slides, sprinkler and
jungle gym. In the late afternoons and evenings, older children and adults come to play
basketball, paddleball and handball.
Gaelic Football Field is used on weekend mornings and afternoons during Spring and
Summer. Users are players of Gaelic Football, spectators, as well as parents with young kids,
and young adults in their 20's who live in the neighborhood or have friends in the neighborhood.
While many of the players and spectators live in Rockland County, there are a number of
people who live in the adjacent neighborhood. Parents with young children make use of the
field to run around, play baseball, catch, and to play with toy motorized vehicles. They often
visit the playground area as well. Young adults may come to hang out, fix their bicycles or
spend time before or after going riding in the woods, or walk
around.
Healy Field is used more frequently on w1~ekday afternoons and weekends during Spring
and Summer. Most users are involved in "little league" activities that take place here . Children ,
their parents, families and friends who come to watch and support them are the most frequent
and pervasive users of Healy Field. Other users, adults and children, come to the field to hang
out, walk their dogs and to relax.
5. Jerome-Gunhill Area
The Jerome-Gunhill Area contains three d.istinct areas: a playground area and
surrounding open space; a strip of open land, sandwiched between the fence enclosing the
Mosholu Golf Course and Driving Range and Jerome Avenue, that extends up to Mosholu
Parkway; and the Mosholu Golf Course and Driving Range itself.
While the playground is used continuously during the summer, especially on weekday
afternoons and weekends, Spring and Fall are busy times as well. Weekday mornings tend to
be quiet year round, with some adults coming to sit on the two benches by the playground and
young men come to hang out. In the afternoons and evenings, families with children come to the
playground to play on the equipment and to picnic, often several mothers with kids will come
or extended family groups will come together. Adults bring blankets and layout and relax, bring
picnic food or barbecue grills and cook. Most of the users are from the immediate
neighborhoods, and while people seem to recognize one another, they don't seem to talk to one
another, keeping to their own groups.
The open space along Jerome Avenue conveys a sense of neglect and serves as a green
strip that borders the adjacent sidewalk: Observations indicate that people sit, picnic, read, or
relax here. A number of park users live in apartment buildings across the street. The area with
the benches is a hang out area for drug users, addicts and people who, according to other park
4

6. users in the playground, attend programs at a methadone clinic across the street. There are
remains of crack vials around the benches, and not surprisingly the people who hang out here
are regarded with suspicion by the playground users. Observations also indicated that a
number of older users like to sit on the benches in this area.
The Mosholu Golf Course, Clubhouse and Driving Range extend as far as the Major
Deegan Expressway to the West; abut the playground area to the south, the open area and
Jerome Avenue to the east; and border Mosholu Parkway to the north. The Golf course was an
18 hole course until the summer of 1990,when it was reduced to 9 holes.
6. Classic Playground
Situated along the southern edge of the park, this area is bordered by the Major Deegan
Expressway and the southwest corner to the west; Van Cortlandt Park South to the south;
Mosholu Parkway and the Jerome-Gunhill Area to the east; and a section of the Mosholu Golf
Course and the Major Deegan Expressway to the north. Located directly across the street from
the Amalgamated Housing Complex, this area includes an enclosed playground with several
different activity areas. The playground is surrounded by an open area with benches, grass and
pathways that lead into the wooded areas.
Weekday afternoons and weekend days tend to be more heavily used at the
playground. The warmer months, during the summer, early fall, and late spring are the busiest
seasons at the playground. There is a nursery school, however, located in the Amalgamated
Complex that makes use of the playground facility during the earlier hours of the day. Parents
with young children make use of the area with the swings, sand pit, slides and
sprinkler. Many kids like to run around in the open space areas. Not surprisingly, many users
know one another as many of them live in the Amalgamated Housing Complex across the street
and children often play with one another, while their parents talk.
In the late afternoons and early evenings ,.teenagers make use of the basketball court
area, where they play ball or ride their bicycles. They hang out on the benches located along the
fence in the second and third sections where they meet their friends and talk. Teenagers also
use the area in the far comer of the third section behind the paddleball/ handball wall to hang
out. Older men and women come to sit and talk with one another, meet their friends and
socialize, or watch their grandchildren from the benches in the area around the sand pit. Older
men also come to sit and read, play chess or backgammon, or feed the birds on the benches on
the path just outside the playground.
FINDINGS: CULTURAL VALUES SURVEY
1. Sample Characteristics
Location, Day of Week, Time of Day. Seventy-three percent of the all the interviews were
conducted within the specially selected ethnographic areas. The weekday and weekend
interviews were roughly split in the sample: 49 percent (159interviews) were conducted on
weekdays , while 51 percent (163 interviews) were with weekend park visitors. Almost half of
the interviews (Forty-six percent) were conducted with users between the hours of 12:01pm.
and 3:00 pm., while 28 percent were conducted between 3:01pm and 6:00pm.
Weather Conditions and Season. Most of the interviews were conducted on sunny days (68
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7. percent) during the summer and spring months (74percent). Sixteen percent were conducted
during the fall; and 11 percent during the winter.
Language of Interview. Visitors participating in the study were given the option to be
interviewed in either English or Spanish . Sixty-nine percent chose to be interviewed in English
compared with 31 percent of those intervi ewed in Spanish.
Gender. Fifty-one percent (165 ) of the visitors interv iewed were men and 49 percent (157)
were female. This interview sample does not reJflect, however, the findings of the census count
conducted of visitors to Van Cortlandt, where males accounted for 61.9 percent of the users,
while women were found to make up 39.1 percent of the visitor population
Age. Adults and Young Adults were the largest groups interviewed (38 percent and 20 percent,
respectively). Middle-Aged Adults (17 percent) and Older Adults (14 percent) represent 28
percent of the sample, while 11 percent were Youth. Census count results, however, indicate
that youth accounted for 51 percent of the users, while Older Adults accounted for only 3.7
percent of the visitor population.
Census Group ("Race"). Four general categories were used to classify responses according to
"race". The use of these categories allows for comparisons of Van Cortlandt users with other
Bronx and NYC census data sources and is often required for federal, state and city funding
purposes. It is important to note, however, that these standard categories of race are very
broad and therefore problematic. Census groups have more meaning when combined with
geographic origin, language of interview, and country of origin.
Of the visitor population sample, 41 percent were Latino, 41 percent were White, 14
percent were Black, and 3 percent were Asian/ East Indian. The census count of park visitors
found that Latinos accounted for 43.8 percent of the total visitor population, while Whites
accounted for 35.1 percent, Blacks for 19 percent, and Asians for 2.1 percent.
Although the census shows that Blacks were under sampled and Whites were
over sampled in our study, the percentage is still relatively small. While our sample would have
benefitted by adjusting the representation of the Black and White groups, the sample of Black
visitors that we did interview has provided us with ample information upon which we can
statistically draw conclusions.
2. Selected Additional Demographic Characteristics
Country of Origin, Continent of Origin. The majority of individuals interviewed were born in
the United States (65 percent), while 34 percent of the park visitors interviewed were born in
other countries. Participants identified themselves as belonging to forty-three (43) ethnic
categories, including three religions . The U.S represents approximately 56 percent of the visitor
population, while the Caribbean, regrouped to include Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic,
Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean, accounts for approximately 21 percent of
the sample . Europe represents approximately 14 percent of the sample of visitors, and Latin
America is associated with about 6 percent of the sample.
Education. Forty percent of those interviewed had a high school diploma or less, and about 39
percent of visitors interviewed had higher education degrees. Thirteen percent of the visitors
had some level of college education.
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8. Household Income. Among the individuals interviewed, 35 percent identified themselves as
having low incomes or as having low to middle incomes. Twenty-one percent of the sample of
park visitors identified with the middle income category, while higher income visitors made up
roughly 20 percent of the sample. Another 24 percent of those interviewed either refused to
answer or provided no answer.
Residence. The majority of visitors to Van Cortlandt Park are residents of the Bronx (70
percent). Visitors from Kingsbridge/Spyten Duvyll, Riverdale and Woodlawn were the more
highly represented neighborhoods. A significanltportion of those interviewed, though, reside
outside of the Bronx (25 percent). Fifty-six percent of the visitors reside in neighborhoods very
near Van Cortlandt Park, 7 percent live in neighborhoods near Pelham Bay Park and about 6
percent live in neighborhoods in the Southern Bronx. Eleven percent of the visitors live outside
of New York City.
3. Visit Characteristics
Travel Time. Roughly 37 percent of those interviewed said it took them 5 minutes or less to get
to the park, while approximately 16 percent said it took them 6 to 10 minutes. Another 14
percent of the visitor sample traveled between 11 and 15 minutes to the park, while 11 percent
traveled 16 to 20 minutes. Only about 23 percent of the users sampled said they travelled more
than 20 minutes to get to the parkl.
Reason For Choosing Van Cortlandt Park. Thirty percent of those interviewed chose Van
Cortlandt because of its convenience, closeness, or because it was in the neighborhood. While
this finding indicates that a large percentage of visitors are local Bronx residents living near the
park, it may also reflect a broader more regional population of users who refer to the park as
conveniently accessible by public transportation or by car. Another 15 percent of the visitors
interviewed indicated that they cl1oseVan Cortlandt for the programs and facilities and 10
percent chose the park because they like it or think it is nice.
Types of Activities. Of the park users interviewed, 36 percent of those interviewed engaged in
relaxation activities at the park. Thirty percent engaged in social activities at the park, while 23
percent engaged in sports and 5 percent engaged themselves at the playgrounds. Further
analysis of the types of activities in relation to selected demographic characteristics (cross-
tabulation) revealed that men responded that they engage in sport activities more than
expected, while women responded that they are more likely to engage in relaxing and
playground related activities.
4. Cultural Values. Preferences and Meaning
Special Meaning. Seventeen percent of the total park users interviewed associated Van
Cortlandt with special meanings having to do with family memories, while 15percent
associated relaxing and tranquil meanings to the park. For another 13 percent, Van Cortlandt
has meaning as a place for fun as well as to entertain themselves, while another roughly 13
percent of users associate the park with appreciating nature. Twelve percent assigned meaning
to Van Cortlandt as a place to recreate, and 12 percent has childhood memories associated
1 These figures represent the responses from our particular sample of 322 park visitors and may not adequately reflect
the percentage of visitors who participate in organized team activities, such as softball , baseball, cricket and soccer,
many of who travel longer distances to get to the park.
7

9. with the park. An additional 11 percent associated Van Cortlandt with a place for socializing
and meeting friends.
Likes and Dislikes. Park users were asked what they liked and disliked about the park. With
respect to "likes," 840 responses were generated by this question. This is an average of 2.6
responses per park visitor interviewed. Out of the 47 different categories of liked aspects
identified by visitors, not many stood out significantly. The more frequent categories of likes
included: Quiet, Tranquil Ambiance/ Relaxing, Peaceful with 10 percent; Facilities Offered By
the Park, with 9 percent; and Open Space, Big with 7 percent of the total sample.
With respect to "dislikes," visitors provided forty (40) different categories of responses
out of a total of 545 responses. This total response number is approximately one third less the
number of "Likes" responses, resulting in an average of 1.7 responses per visitor interviewed.
This difference suggests that respondents had more to say about what they liked about the park
than what they did not like. Based on the broad range of responses, few categories were
specified by visitors in large numbers. The more significant categories identified included:
Nothing (14 percent), Dirty (12 percent), Behavior of Other Park Users (10 percent), and Poor
Condition of Facilities/Equipment/Grounds (8 percent).
Desired Changes. No changes ("none") made up the largest category of response stated by
visitors (10 percent), suggesting that users are satisfied with the park, or could make no
suggestions for improvement. Eight percent of the interviewees desired new active-use facilities.
One suggestion that came under this category was for a pool to be located on the eastern section
of the park. Other suggestions which stood out were: expand/modernize/renovate existing
facilities (7 percent); more security /vigilance (7 percent); better maintenance of facilities (6
percent); and better sanitation (6 percent).
Fear and Reasons for Fear. Forty-three percent of people's responses indicated that they had
no fear of any particular place in the park, while 10 percent feared all places at night, and
another 9 percent indicated that they feared all wooded areas. Twenty-five (25) different
categories reflected users reasons for fear. Of the responses provided by 144visitors (178
visitors chose not to respond), 42 percent said they feared for their safety, and another 14
percent feared that they might be attacked or raped.
5. Park Knowledge
Special Knowledge. Visitors were asked if they were aware of the park management plans in
an effort by the Bronx Parks Administrator to gauge the extent of visitor awareness of a
proposed new water filtration plant that has been proposed to be constructed in a section of
Van Cortlandt Park. The majority of park users (60 percent) did not have knowledge of the
filtration plant or any other plans for the park, while about 38 percent did not respond.
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10. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
A number of conclusions and recommendations have been drawn based on the
ethnographic data and cultural survey analyses. The discussion is organized into three
categories; issues regarding maintenance and management; issues regarding park design,
infrastructure and development; and issues regarding special constituencies and activities.
1. Maintenance and Management
Recreational Facilities. Van Cortlandt Park is an important recreational facility for a large
number of visitors. The wide array of facilities serve the needs of both individuals and
organized sports activities. While the heavy usage takes its toll on the condition of the facilities,
the design, maintenance and availability of the facilities is important to users. Users have
detailed opinions about equipment that functions, and solutions for equipment that doesn't
function, could function better, or is mistreated. The condition of the baseball/ softball and
soccer fields on the Parade Ground were mentioned by users as lacking grass, not level, and
having holes that fill with water when it rains. Visitors who participated in organized team
sport activities suggested that regular maintenance, extra dirt provided nearby the fields, and a
drainage system, as they have in Central Park, would help. Lights for evening play and safety ,
bleachers for spectators, and scoreboards were also mentioned as important needs for the
fields. In general, regular repainting of the lines on the fields, the paddle ball courts, and the
playgrounds were mentioned by visitors. Replacement of broken equipment, such as swings,
and the provision of back boards for the basketball hoops at Classic Playground were
mentioned by kids. The need for activities and play equipment for kids of varied ages,
especially ten to twelve year olds and for teens, at the same playground was often mentioned
by parents.
Support Facilities/ Furniture. Facilities and park furniture such as bathrooms, water
fountains, picnic tables, and trash cans support use of the recreational facilities. Parents with
children, athletes, and picnickers alike expressed the need for bathrooms that are better
maintained, cleaner, and that are open longer hours with more consistency. Although it is clear
to the researcher that bathroom facilities are provided in all the main areas of the park, as
indicated on a more recent edition of the park map2, visitors interviewed strongly advocated
the need for additional bathroom facilities that are closer and more convenient to activity areas,
such as the baseball/ softball fields . Reasons for this visitor response may be that the existing
facilities need to be made larger, their locations are not adequately marked, or that their
locations relative to activity areas are not convenient. Ethnographic observations revealed, in
addition, that many softball/baseball team play ,ers make use of the bathroom facilities to
change into their uniforms and the facilities may not be designed to accommodate this type of
use. These issues warrant further investigation. The need for more water fountains with cold
water were also considered important by many users, especially during the hot and humid
surruner months. The provision of more grills, picnic tables and trash cans were other desired
changes expressed by visitors.
Grounds. The general appearance and upkeep of the grass, trees, plants, fences, pathways,
pedestrian bridges, overgrowth on the nature trails, and the Van Cortlandt Lake are important
2 An early version of a revised Van Cortlandt Park Visitors Guide and Map, for distribution to the public, currently in
production, was made available to us by Bronx Park Administrators during the period of our study.
9

11. elements of the park that contribute to visitors sense that the park is safe, well cared for,
aesthetically pleasing, and a nice place to be. Visitors mentioned the desire to see additional
grass on the Parade Ground, in the picnic area adjacent to the pool, and the Jerome-Gunhill
Playground. Specific mention was made of the poor condition of the John Kieran Nature Trail
pedestrian bridge over Tibbetts Brook. Visitors, especially those who were avid fishers, were
concerned about the condition of the lake and the lack of fish.
Security and Supervision. Although many visitors felt safe and comfortable in the park, they
still expressed the desire to see more park personnel walking around in places such as the
nature trails, around the interior of the park, and open areas such as the Parade Ground and
Indian Field. Visitors also would like to have more supervision in places like the playgrounds
where the different, and sometimes lacking, activities for older children were found to conflict
with those of the younger children. Parents had only positive things to say about the park
personnel ("P.A.s") that work at the Classic and Wood.lawn Playgrounds during the summer
months. The behavior of other users such as people practicing their golf swings on the Parade
ground, allowing their dogs to run around without leashes, and the lack of owners picking up
after their dogs, were activities that needed additional park regulation and enforcement. Some
users, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the adult pool height requirement, for their
children when accompanied with an adult. A lack of knowledge about pool regulations was
reflected in comments made by some pool users.
2. Design. Infrastructure and Development
Pathway System. Due to the fact that Van Cortlandt is a vast park carved up by three
different major parkways/expressways, most people do not conceive of the many areas and
places on the park's perimeter as part of the same large park and have no idea how to get from
one part of the park to the other. Observations of the researcher indicate that while there are
paths that lead from one section of the park to another, there is not a coherent system of
pathways that traverse the park west-east or that circuit the park as a whole. Providing a
pathway system of this type would serve to introduce people to the varied nature and
character of the park, from the natural areas to the array of recreational facilities. It would also
function as an additional recreational facility for use by walkers/ hikers, joggers, rollerbladers,
and cyclists.
Signage. Given the size of the park and the above mentioned visitors lack of park knowledge,
we think it is critical to post large maps at the park entrances, within the boundaries of the park
and along set distances of the proposed pathway system. When interviewers as part of the
interview showed visitors a map of the park, visitors knowledge, curiosity and interest about
the park was increased. A number of visitors specifically mentioned the need for large park
maps for directional purposes and were pleased to have a copy of the map when we offered it
to them to keep. The proposed maps would include the entire park, marked with the
boundaries and approximate street connections, trails, concessions, and place of posting
located clearly ("You are here"). An enlarged map section of the particular area of posting with
areas of interest would also be desirable. Clearly marked directional and place name signs are
important for orienting visitors to places in the park, including restrooms as well as facilities.
Directional signage and pathway markings might be used to highlight particular areas in the
park, such as natural areas and trails, that visitors are often not too familiar with.
Information/ Bulletin Boards. Many park visitors are familiar with the one section of the park
that they frequent and are not familiar with the breadth of the park and its facilities. In
addition, many visitors are also uninformed about tournaments, park events and activities, and
10

12. renovation or management plans. The surveys revealed that very few visitors were aware of
such park issues and plans such as the proposed water filtration plant. Visitors did express,
however, a strong desire to attend such park events and activities. They also held strong and
meaningful associations with the park, suggesting that with outreach, through the use of
enclosed information/ bulletin boards, visitors would be better informed about the park.
Lighting. While park visitors generally felt safe in Van Cortlandt, the desire for additional
lighting in recreational facility areas as well as along pathways was mentioned frequently as an
added safety measure. The increased lighting was also mentioned by visitors as a means to
allow for extended hour or evening recreational play.
Food Concessions. Visitors indicated the desire to have food and beverages sold by
concessions in the park. The density of recreational activities and the vast size of the park
creates a need for refreshment for visitors who have not thought ahead. The most likely park
areas to have concessions would be at the Parade Ground/Southwest Comer Area and at the
Shandler Recreation Area. Many visitors mentioned the desire for concessions, especially those
who were involved in organized team sport activities. Concessions provide an opportunity for
the park to bring in additional revenue. While the institution of two more concessions may
result in problems with increased trash, more trash cans could be provided and the problem
could be addressed with additional park attention.
Recreation Center/ Gym With Weights. Visitors indicated that a recreation center and gym
would be a desirable facility to be located in the stadium building. Having an indoor facility
would provide winter time activities as well as additional types of activities not offered in the
park during the year such as weights and programming. Lockers and benches in the existing
locker room in the stadium building were specifically mentioned by users to make the facility
more hospitable for those who make use of the park facilities.
C. Special Constituencies and Activities
Spanish-Speaking, Hispanic and Latino Visitors. Hispanic and Latino visitors were much
more likely than others to think of the park as a source of ethnic association and cultural
identity. Many of these visitors were involved in sport activities, particularly softball /baseball
and paddle ball, that included social activities as part of the experience. Picnics and birthday
parties are also activities that are part of the cultural and ethnic experience of the park. Fresh
air and open space are attractive to this group of users . The administration can best reach
these users by promoting the park in these terms as well as keeping these values in mind with
regard to the way facilities are designed by providing bleachers, concessions or areas for
spectators to set up provisions, lighting score boards, and adequate bathrooms, for example.
Priorities in terms of repair and maintenance support the important social and cultural function
these types of activities have for this group of users.
African-American and Black Visitors. African-American and Black visitors tended to think of
the park as a place to socialize and as a public and community resource. Activities such as
meeting with friends, fishing, and picnics with friends and family were the preferred uses of the
park. The big, open space and the convenience of the park were also often noted park
preferences. Promoting the park in term of social activities would tap into this group of users.
Priorities in maintaining and providing adequate spaces for picnic areas as well as facilities
such as bathrooms, grills, trash cans, and picnic tables will further support the social and
community resource preferences of these users.
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13. White Visitors. White visitors tended to prefer activities that related to appreciating the
natural environment, the aesthetic qualities of the park, and to participate in relaxing as well as
sport activities. Many White visitors considered [the park as part of their neighborhood, and
associated family memories with the park. The connection of memories with parks can help
reinforce the sense of the park as a neighborhood and family resource. A sensitivity towards
conserving distinctive features of the park over time may help in supporting and maintaining the
importance of the park in the lives of its users. Special consideration and promotion of the
nature related activities and the aesthetic qualities of the park may also attract more White
visitors to the park.
Asian Visitors. Asian visitors tended to think of the park as a place to recreate. The
recreational facilities, the big open spaces, and the convenience of the park were indicated as
preferences for these visitors. Social activities also emerged as a preferred activity. Asian
visitors make up the smallest group of users and further outreach is recommended with these
preferences in mind. Given their small percentage of park usage, it may be that the park is not
offering activities that are of interest to this group. Further research is recommended to get a
better sense of how Asians perceive of the park and what kinds of park attributes they prefer.
Elders. Elders contribute to the social diversity at the park. They also depend on the park as
an outlet for human contact . For many elders, the park is like a second home in that it gets
them out of the apartment and gives them something to do, a place to go to meet friends and to
get some fresh air. This study has shown that the park contributes to the physical and mental
well being of a variety of elders and semi-retired visitors. It is important, therefore, to make
sure that safe, comfortable and easily accessible places are available for elders.
Children/ Youth. The park is an important resource for children, teenagers and young adults.
While the park contains many playgrounds for children, there seems to be a lack of activities for
children between the ages of ten and twelve. More attention needs to be paid to this age group,
and further research may be necessary to determine the types of activities best address their
needs. Continuing the existing efforts to welcome youth to the park and to encourage their
involvement with it is recommended. Further research is recommended to determine the
diversity of youth groups who make use of the park in order to develop more targeted future
programs for this population.
Redefining Nature-Related Activities. While many user groups like the park for its natural
environment , what they define as nature differs. The qualities and activities that groups
associate with an appreciation of nature differ as well. The administration can make use of this
information to inform and direct the development of nature programs, reaching out to particular
user groups who may not be aware of existing programs or creating new programs that appeal
to or communicate better to particular users. Nature trails, for example, may be familiar and
popular with White visitors, but not with Latinos. Select groups such as Asians, or low income
populations, may not be familiar with nature trails or not find them an interesting activity.
Developing programs that have a different focus may communicate similar information, yet
attract and appeal to non-nature trail users.
Rental Activities. Many users expressed the desire to have boat and bicycle rental
opportunities in Van Cortlandt. Fishing pole and fishing tournaments, similar to the activities
that take place at the Harlem Meer in Central Park (offered free of charge), could also take
place around the Van Cortlandt Lake. These kinds of rental opportunities open up additional
social options, other ways to enjoy the natural environment , and attract visitors to stay in the
park longer. The park can also benefit by deriving additional forms of revenue.
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14. Picnic Areas. Picnics are often important components of social activities. While picnic areas
often pose conflicts for the preservation of the natural environment, urban parks are providing
an ever more crucial role as democratic and community public spaces in an era of dwindling
public resources. Users in Van Cortlandt expressed the need for more picnic areas to be
allocated, particularly on the western side of the park along Broadway .
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