SECURITY V PARK AND RECREATION SERVICE DELIVERY - REDUCED EFFECTIVENESS OF PUBLIC-INVESTMENT

The author surveyed more than 900 residents to assess the extent to which park security, a proxy for fear of crime, impacts park usage patterns. Findings indicate that investments in park and recreation services and facilities may be in vain in many cases because residents are reluctant to use the services. Fear of crime is widespread but is particularly burdensome for selected segments of society. For example, female minorities were especially concerned with quality-of-life implications of security issues. In addition, demand for type of security remedies varies as a function of respondent demographics. Thus, local government must be prepared to tailor investment to fit citizen demand. In particular, effective use of park and reaction resources a shift in investment priorities to include security enhancements and alteration of public perception of crime.