Exploring Opportunities for Family Engagement with Trails
Posted on Wednesday, November 6th, 2024
This study investigates long-term family engagement with the Sentiers Wakefield Trails (SWT) in Wakefield, Quebec, a community-managed, not-for-profit trail organization. Engagement with nature trails has shown numerous benefits for families, including their reinforcement of physical activity, environmental awareness, and emotional well-being. Many parents view outdoor education as essential for children, believing that experiences in nature support cognitive and social development. Research highlights that parental influence is crucial in encouraging children’s connection to nature, fostering a lifelong appreciation and sustained use of trails.
Upon this premise, we formulated our research’s problem statement: What factors influence long-term family engagement with trails?
The study’s main objective is to understand both the factors that encourage and those that limit family participation on SWT trails. Focusing on families with children between 0 to 14 years old, the research aims to identify strategies to encourage ongoing engagement, supporting SWT’s goal of creating a multi-generational relationship between the community and the natural environment.
A mixed-methods approach was used to gather data through surveys and interviews with local families and subject matter experts. The combination of qualitative and quantitative methods provided a comprehensive understanding of family interactions with trails, highlighting key areas for improvement in trail accessibility and family-friendly facilities.
The purpose of these findings is to inform SWT on how to improve trail experience for families. Enhancing family engagement could support SWT’s long-term sustainability and contribute to broader community benefits, including public health, environmental stewardship, and economic development.
By focusing on family-centred strategies, this research aims to help SWT enhance its appeal to families, ensuring that trails remain an essential community resource for future generations. This study emphasizes the importance of accessible and family-oriented trails in fostering a sustained community connection to nature.