 SCORP Focus Group Report
Northeast Ohio
Focus Group Locations: Coshocton, Cleveland, and Ravenna
What are the most POPULAR outdoor recreation activities in this region?
Outdoor recreation providers in the northeast region of the state noted that boating (including canoeing) is popular. Fishing is also a popular activity, often enjoyed in conjunction with boating.
All types of motorized recreation reportedly have significant participation in this area of the state.
Jet skis are popular in the summer and snowmobiles are popular in the winter; ATVs riding is a popular activity as well. Multipurpose trails get a lot of use.
Bicycling (including mountain biking) is an activity many enjoy. Walking, hiking, cross country skiing, and camping were all mentioned as well. Public pools are consistently popular in the summer.
Outdoor recreation providers in this region identified the following as being INCREASINGLY popular with the public:
- Bicycling/mountain biking
- Bird watching/birding
- Boating/canoeing
- Camping (camping with full hookups)
- Cross country skiing
- Dog park use/dog walking
- Fishing (also in conjunction with boating or with a club)
- Hiking (nature hiking)
- Motorized recreation (jet skiing, snowmobiling, ATV riding, etc.)
- Multi purpose trail use
- Outdoor festivals (fall festivals, apple butter festival)
- Water parks/pools with play features
- Skateboarding/skate parks
- Walking
- Geo-caching
Attendance at beaches and lake swimming has DECLINED. Picnicking (except when enjoyed in large groups) and tennis also appear to be declining activities.
Money and time were identified as the two most common barriers. Insufficient money is a problem not only for the general public, but also for outdoor recreation providers. Funding for park naturalists is problematic. Many diverse activities, both indoor and outdoor, consume already limited leisure time.
The following barriers were also identified:
- Commute times
- Competing organized activities (playing on a sports team, indoor lessons, etc.)
- Indoor lessons
- Electronic use (computers, television, video games, etc.)
- Fear of being outside/squeamishness (parents safety concerns and children uncomfortable with the natural world)
- Health/obesity
- Lack of awareness of outdoor recreation opportunities
- Money (personal financial challenges and schools budgets that don’t stretch for field trips/environmental education)
- Lack of time
- Long work hours
What OBSTACLES do outdoor RECREATION PROVIDERS face in this region?
Lack of funds was the most significant barrier identified by most outdoor recreation providers. Some felt that constituents make demands without a willingness to support levies. Other recreation providers expressed frustration with the time it takes to raise funds to satisfy public demand for a trend. Often by the time funds are acquired and a facility or program is offered the trend has passed.
A lack of public land and lack of communication were also listed as obstacles. Poor communication and cooperation between governing entities and recreation providers, as well as between multiple groups trying to use the same resource (example groups trying to use Lake Erie for different recreation opportunities) is a problem.
Specific obstacles mentioned:
- Funding
- Lack of communication/cooperation
- Lack of public land (NIMBY, land use decisions, etc.)
What are the most pressing NEEDS of outdoor RECREATION PROVIDERS in northeast Ohio?
Outdoor recreation providers in this region stressed the need for more land. Land or corridors for multi purpose trails and ATV areas is in great demand. Land is also needed for more hunting opportunities and for nature preservation.
Specific needs mentioned:
- ATV areas/trails
- Corridors (along waterways and other corridors)
- Hunting land
- Land for preserving nature
- Public land
What are important PLANNING ISSUES for outdoor recreation providers in this region?
Participants in northeast Ohio expressed concern about the lack of open or green space in trust for future generations; however, this topic was not discussed at length.
How do outdoor recreation providers rank the need for PASSIVE outdoor recreation opportunities?
A high priority is placed on the need for more “passive and quiet” nature based recreation opportunities in this region. Most participants felt this was very important and mentioned specific activities/facilities such as birding and trails. While there is a pressing need for more passive recreation opportunities, there is also a real need for more active recreation opportunities.
Specific comments:
- Active and passive should not be mutually exclusive; there is a need for both.
- Many people have several acres of their own that serves as their passive recreation land (this opinion was expressed by just a few).
- Trails are needed
What methods of obtaining FUNDS have been successful in northeast Ohio?
Partnerships were the most frequently mentioned successful funding methods, followed by grants administered by ODNR, private contributions, and volunteer/friends groups.
Specific comments:
- Grants (Clean Ohio, RTP, Nature Works, recycled materials grants, wetland grants)
- Partnerships
- Private Contributions
- Volunteer/Friends Groups
Comments about outdoor recreation and special populations
Accommodating special populations is considered a fairly high need. Some participants stated that ADA is the law, so the law is of greatest interested. There was some discussion about the need to accommodate elderly and Spanish speaking people, as these two populations are growing.
Other comments:
- ADA can’t be ignored
- Need to consider elderly
- Need to make signage and literature bilingual
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