| Interviews were conducted with 97 Detroit residents living
in primarily Black low and moderate income areas, in order to assess the
preferences of inner city residents for different types of natural areas.
The participants rated 26 photographs for preference, and also answered
questions about the particular elements that made certain outdoor areas
especially liked or disliked, and about the importance they placed on
their own opportunities to enjoy the natural environment. The results
indicated that well-maintained areas incorporating built features were
preferred over more untouched and densely wooded areas, which were often
associated with fears of physical danger. The participants' responses also
indicated that these residents placed a very high value on their
opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Few differences in preferences or in
value perceptions were found when stratifying the sample according to
demographic characteristics. The results emphasize the importance of
appropriate management of urban forestry resources, and suggest that
outdoor spaces should be planned for ease of visibility as well as for
pleasing arrangements of natural features. |