Predicting the Effect of Alternative Trail Design on Visitor Satisfaction in Park Settings

Abstract

The development of parks and open space that reflect the physical and social needs of park visitors is a true challenge to the landscape architect. In this paper, the authors describe the results of a technique called “policy capture” to establish optimum trail prescriptiom in a highly urbanized forest environment. Central to the discussion are projected trade-offs in visitor use and satisfaction with specific trail designs and locations. The Cook County Forest Preserve (Chicago, Illinois) serves as the study site.