A Standardized Assessment Process Supporting Health, Environmental and Economic Benefits of Outdoor Recreation Facilities to Rural Americans

Currently, there is no standardized process for assessing the accessibility of recreation elements used for outdoor recreation, picnic and camping facilities although standards for specific outdoor recreation elements exist, the Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines and the draft US Access Board Regulatory Negotiation Committee on Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas. This project will create a Developed Outdoor Recreation Assessment Process (DORAP) to be used to collect information about outdoor recreation elements and evaluate whether they comply with accessibility standards. The objectives of this project are to create valid and reliable methodologies for assessing recreation elements, training modules, electronic templates and a universal symbol system. DORAP accuracy and reliability will be established through expert review of repeated measurements of the same facilities by different people and at different times. DORAP will increase the availability of accessible outdoor products and facilities; enhance access, safety and satisfaction for users; and allow land managers to more accurately forecast maintenance budgets for existing facilities. Increased recreation facility information will enhance enjoyment by individuals of all abilities; including older adults, families with young children, people with disabilities, and their families and friends. This will enhance outdoor recreation environments for use by persons of all abilities in rural communities.