| Description |
Municipal park and recreation agencies are challenged increasingly to respond to individuals facing unsheltered homelessness who reside in local parks and protected areas. This problem is particularly evident along Salt Lake City, Utah's Jordan River Parkway (JRP). This study examined the effects of a variety of mitigation strategies employed to alleviate the negative social and environmental impacts associated with homelessness along the JRP. To examine the complex convergence of social and environmental systems involved in mitigating unsheltered homelessness along the JRP, the researcher collected a variety of stakeholder perspectives, including those of homeless individuals (hereafter referred to as "park residents"), park and recreation agency employees, representatives of local community organizations, and relevant social service providers. Critical Theory provided the lens through which the researcher came to understand the barriers power structures render to the resolution of unsheltered homelessness and a clearer picture of the consequential burden unsheltered homelessness places on public parks. A qualitative research design enabled the researcher to address the complex and sensitive nature of homelessness along the JRP. Data were collected via semistructured interviews (n=19) with park residents, social service providers, park managers, police, and county health department officials involved with the JRP. Results from thematic analysis provided valuable insights regarding the convergence of social and iv environmental systems involved in mitigating park resident impacts along the JRP. Overall, data expressed how park resident occupation and related cyclical mitigations negatively affected the social and environmental systems that support the JRP as well as illuminating the need for a more informed citizenry about the challenges facing individuals experiencing homelessness through public education. |
