Abstract

The National Park Service puts forward its mission as a goal to conserve natural and cultural resources for future generations. Within that goal there is a need to be cognizant of how that duty applies to all members of future generations. The goal for this study was to put forward an anthropological approach to combining research into past literature, theory on the spaces themselves, in combination with the perceptions of staff and community partners of national parks. This research begins with a thorough examination of past literature focusing on NPS programming and leisure research. The work of Elijah Anderson and Carolyn Finney provides an understanding of the history and societal factors which generate the perceptions of those within green spaces through the relation to the concept of white spaces. The perceptions of staff and community partners was obtained through interviews with and around Cuyahoga National Park. Through the perceptions of these individuals, a viewpoint is found into what practices best support this greater goal of the NPS. The findings of this study found that changes can be made through a focus on building community relationships, streamlining systems of employment, and guiding interpretation toward telling entire histories. These methods allow for a focus to be placed on audience centered interpretation. Changing the way national parks are perceived is the crucial step to making parks accessible to all future generations.

Advisor

Thomas, Zareen

Department

Sociology and Anthropology

Disciplines

Social and Cultural Anthropology

Keywords

National Park Service, NPS, Community Engagement, Park Rangers, Community Partners

Publication Date

2024

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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