Why do racial minorities participate less in outdoor recreation, and how

can those communities of color be more included?

Jaylin Candelaria

Senior Project Advisor: Jenny McKenzie

Abstract

Outdoor recreation is an important facet that should be implemented in everyday lives for all
different groups of people. In this paper, I explore the benefits and impacts the outdoors have on
racial minorities, and the different constraints these minorities encounter with outdoor recreation.
The research primarily focuses on studies that have shown socioeconomic factors, and societal
constraints over the past few decades. The research suggests there is a direct correlation between
racial minorities constraints and the participation rates in outdoor recreation. There appears to be
a decrease in participation amongst these racial minorities, because of the constraints they face in
the outdoors. Additionally, there are some effects when it comes to these racial minorities and
their lack of participation. These conclusions suggest that further studies need to be conducted so
we can gather more information on this issue. Furthermore, this allows for solutions to be
established and implemented in outdoor recreation and the participation of racial minorities.

12th Grade Humanities

Animas High School
4 April 2022
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 Part I: Introduction

“In the United States today, the color of one’s skin or size of one’s bank account is a solid

predictor of whether one has safe access to nature and all of its benefits” (Rowland-Shea et al.

16). Nature is a place filled with many wonders and fascinations. It is a world beyond itself,

where one can learn to climb the high mountains, swim in the deepest seas, and observe the most

exotic animals. Although, some individuals are limited to these experiences and wonders because

of the underlying circumstances they face. Nature should be this place used as a benefit, allowing

everyone to connect with it. No one should be discarded when it comes to exposure to nature.

Although most people have the opportunity and interest of spending time outdoors there

are some who do not have that chance to at all or as often. Racial minorities are not as lucky to

experience outdoor activities and everything that comes along with it. Studies have shown that

there are high participant rates in outdoor activities and of those participants, only a small

percentage are people of color. This is because racial minorities are faced with constraints that

restrict them from participating in the outdoors. In America, racial minorities and marginalized

groups face more outdoor recreational barriers compared to their respective counterparts

(Ghimire et al. 64).

It is important to understand the constraints racial minorities face, so a solution can be

made to counter these inequalities. If a racial minority is not exposed to nature, there are

significant complications they may encounter, for instance, their wellbeing, health, and lack of

involvement and understanding in terms of the outdoors. In order to increase the participation of

racial minorities, we need to fight the constraints such as lack of access and resources,

discrimination, contamination, and the lack of representation that are limiting these minorities by

putting intention and funding towards inclusivity in outdoor recreation programs and

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organizations.

Part II: Historical Context and Background

Inequality in terms of race, gender, and economics in the United States has been around

for so long that it almost seems inevitable. Racial minorities encounter inequalities, such as

oppression, income, and living conditions in their day-to-day lives. Oppression is something

racial minorities encounter not just in their daily lives, but in nature as well. Environmental

racism is a term used to describe the oppression of minorities in the outdoors. Environmental

racism can be defined as, “Racial discrimination in environmental policy-making and

enforcement of regulations and laws, the deliberate targeting of communities of color for toxic

waste facilities, the official sanctioning of the presence of life-threatening poisons and pollutants

for communities of color, and the history of excluding people of color from the leadership of the

environmental movement” (Holifield 83). It has been shown that environmental racism has and

continues to impact minorities in a negative way when it comes to the outdoors. Racial

minorities are stigmatized for simply being who they are, which affects their ability to participate

outdoors.

Additionally, people are color are underrepresented in jobs focusing on the environment.

The racial divide in nature access has been perpetuated by discrimination and the framing of

conservation priorities through this exclusive lens, aided by the underrepresentation of people of

color on the staff and leadership levels of conservation organizations, foundations, and natural

resource agencies (Rowland-Shea et al. 21-22). Having minorities underrepresented in these

specific jobs doesn’t help increase the diversity in a workplace, but instead shows people with

similar backgrounds that they are unwelcome or that these types of jobs less diversified are not

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the right fit for them. The inequity when it comes to communities of color in the workplace is

just one challenge racial minorities face, another would have to be the excruciating living

conditions they are in.

Racial minorities living in terrible living conditions are likely to be affected negatively,

which can lead to underlying conditions. Across the country, communities of property owners

began tying racially restricted "covenants" to their deeds in the early 20th century, guaranteeing

properties were sold to Caucasians. Racial segregation was bolstered by such covenants, as well

as less formalized discrimination, in cities and towns across the country (Borunda). People of

color had to live in areas that might not have been the safest, healthiest, or equitable, though they

could not do much about it. Today, racial communities still live in areas that are not the best

living conditions. All this took place because Caucasians were supposedly superior during this

time, so people of color were racially discriminated against, which caused these individuals to

have bad living situations. The inequalities communities of color encounter and experience are

only the beginning for these individuals. Society continues to bring minorities further constraints

they have to bear in life, specifically relating to the outdoors.

Part III: Research and Analysis

The Benefits of Nature

Exposing adolescents to outdoor recreation can lead to positive benefits, manifested as

behavioral and cognitive. The article, The Nature Gap - The Center for American Progress,

states, “Students who spend more time in the outdoors, including students from low-income

backgrounds, tend to perform better on standardized tests, demonstrate more enthusiasm towards

school, and have fewer attendance problems” (Rowland-Shea et al. 10). This statistic shows that

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students who do not get the chance to spend time outdoors are more likely to perform poorly in

school and have more problems regarding behavior, whereas students who participate outdoors

exhibit better results in academics and behavior. What the report says directly supports the idea

that being exposed to the outdoors can lead to positive health benefits and a better state of being.

The data shows how these are directly correlated and provide a positive impact.

When one chooses to participate in outdoor recreation they are likely to gain positive

benefits. The academic journal, Equity in Access to Outdoor Recreation-Informing a Sustainable

Future, illustrates, “A number of studies have illuminated the benefits of outdoor recreation and

nature exposure, including the benefits of such exposure in remedying income-related

inequalities in health; the psychological benefits of nature-based physical recreation;

contributions to social cohesion and social interaction; and the myriad emotional, cognitive, and

behavioral benefits of nature exposure for young people” (Winter et al. 2). The outdoors can

provide social, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral benefits that help enhance an individual’s

skills and abilities. When one is outdoors doing activities, learning, and seeing new things they’ll

gain psychological benefits that will help enhance their physical and emotional health. This

proves that nature has benefits that are needed in the lives of every individual, and each

individual should have the chance to experience it for themselves. The only way one can enhance

themselves is to go outdoors and be immersed in nature.

Everyone should have the opportunity to be immersed in nature through outdoor

recreation. Nature is vital to forming a healthy community, and it’s not just a nice to have

amenity (Borunda 8). Having nature right outside our doors is something we should be utilizing,

especially for younger individuals. Some of us may take it for granted but in actuality, we should

be appreciating it and utilizing it more than we are. Being in nature can help form a more

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tight-knit community bringing you closer to many different people, which can have a positive

impact. As stated before, being exposed to the outdoors leads to positive benefits, both

physically and mentally. When you feel good both physically and mentally you know how

important it is to continue whatever it is you are doing, however, some individuals don’t have

this opportunity to feel this way because of constraints limiting them.

Constraints Racial Minorities Encounter

People of color living in nature-deprived areas are the ones affected when it comes to

participating outdoors. The article, How ‘Nature Deprived’ Neighborhoods Impact the Health of

People of Color, mentions, “Communities of color are almost three times more likely than white

communities to live in “nature deprived” areas, those that have less or no access to parks, paths,

and green spaces” (Borunda 2). People of color are more unlikely to participate in these outdoor

spaces than their counterparts, because of circumstances limiting them. Furthermore, many

barriers impact minority constraints, however, lack of access to nature is one of the primary

constraints.

The lack of access and resources, such as equipment, location, and transportation are all

constraints people of color face. In a study conducted, it’s reported that transportation, money,

and physical access concerns are a few of the most prevalent leisure constraints (Burns and

Graefe). The journal, An Analysis of Perceived Constraints to Outdoor Recreation, explains, “

Rural dwellers might have fewer opportunities to participate in outdoor recreation activities

compared to urban dwellers” (Ghimire et al. 55). People who live in urban areas are less likely to

have opportunities outdoors because they are living in cities where nature isn’t easily accessible,

whereas people living in rural areas have easy access to nature because they live in or near it. If

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one does not have the resources to do something, then they are not going to seek out help, and

instead, they are going to do something besides that activity.

Not only do many minority communities have less access to green spaces, but they are

also more likely to live in contaminated areas. A study by Borunda asserts that across the

country, black neighborhood residents breathe more harmful particles than Caucasians. In fact,

residents on average breathe about 20 percent more harmful particulates, though they are less

responsible for causing problems through driving, consuming goods, or other causative acts that

contribute to air pollution (7). Having pollutants in the air decreases the person's ability to go

outside, because of the long-term health effects it can cause, like respiratory diseases, lung

cancer, and heart disease. The Nature Gap - Confronting Racial and Economic Disparities,

asserts, “The nation’s recent reckoning with racism and violence against Black people has

brought environmental injustices and disparities into long-overdue focus” (Rowland-Shea 2).

Racism and environmental injustices are better known as environmental racism. Environmental

racism is being more focused on because it is a cause for the lower participation of minority

communities in the outdoors, and the discrimination that comes with environmental racism only

makes matters worse. Environmental racism and discrimination go hand in hand, negatively

impacting minority participants.

People of color have lower participation rates in outdoor spaces because they face certain

circumstances, such as discrimination and a lack of safety. They are the victims of violence,

intimidation, and threats. The Nature Gap - Confronting Racial and Economic Disparities in the

Destruction and Protection of Nature in America, emphasizes, “The broader societal

criminalization of people of color—and the accompanying threat of police brutality and even

murder—can be exposed in parks and public lands. Communities of color participating in

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outdoor activities face the risk of being targeted, stereotyped, and harmed for simply enjoying

nature or even trying to protect it, as was clear in the case of Christian Cooper (American science

writer and editor)” (Rowland-Shea et al. 18-19). We all should have the opportunity to enjoy

nature and go outdoors without the feeling of being targeted, stereotyped, or harmed. Nature

should be a place where we can make new experiences, learn new skills, and enjoy ourselves.

Nonetheless, people of color are struggling to involve themselves in the outdoors because of

circumstances like this where they feel their lives are threatened or unvalued.

Socioeconomics plays a significant role in the participation of racial minorities in the

outdoors. While many studies have focused primarily on racial and gender differences, recent

studies have begun to research more on income, age, and education regarding racial and gender

differences (Ghimire et al. 53). There have been these shifts in studies because researchers are

realizing that minorities have more constraints they face than just their race and gender. It’s

shown that income contributes to financial resources, while education contributes to greater

socialization (Ghimire et al. 54). This statistic highlights that money can help you when it comes

to getting the resources needed, and when one is educated, the structure of society can be shaped.

Furthermore, individuals who can not afford to pay for outdoor recreational activities are more

than likely to have children go uneducated about these activities, and they will not get the chance

to experience them. Additionally, the lack of social networks can be accountable for low

participation rates.

The lack of representation in advertising outdoor recreation is despairing. For people of

color to recognize and accept that the outdoors could potentially be an inclusive space, they have

to see themselves in marketing and advertisements. They also need to see leaders who look like

them running programs that might just understand the tragedies and victories brought with them

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to the outdoors (Bailey Alex). If these people of color, young or old, do not see themselves in

advertisements why would they decide to take part in the outdoors? Additionally, the lack of

awareness around opportunities or general information has been identified as a constraint for

minority groups and outdoor recreation use in the U.S. and other countries (Winter et al. 3). This

asserts that racial minorities are gathering less information on outdoor recreation because they

are not getting involved or they’re not being informed properly. Social networks seem to be

misusing their platforms, instead of using them for the greater good. Social networks are lacking

diversity and information in their advertisements.

Consequences of Lack of Exposure to Nature

Physical effects can take place when minorities are not participating in outdoor activities.

Recent studies have provided statistics on children in America showing:

There’s a decline in children’s fitness and an increase in child obesity. Approximately 8

million children are overweight, and in just two decades, obesity rates in children (ages

6–11) and adolescents (ages 12–19) have doubled and trebled, respectively. Today, 13%

of children and 14% of adolescents are considered to be significantly overweight. Over

60% of overweight children aged 5–10 have at least one cardiovascular disease risk

factor, such as elevated insulin, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure, and 25% have

two or more. Obesity raises the risk of developing bone disease and certain cancers later

in life, as well as adult-onset (Type 2) diabetes. Furthermore, children who are

overweight before the age of eight are more likely to grow up to be overweight adults

(Godbey 8).

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When people are not involved or exposed to the outdoors they are likely to face more

long-lasting complications that can affect them for the rest of their lives. A lot of these

complications can start at just a young age. That’s why participating in the outdoors is so crucial

to the health of an individual, and the individuals’ involvement.

The lack of understanding and involvement in terms of the outdoors comes from low

participation. The article, Equity in Access to Outdoor Recreation—Informing a Sustainable

Future, expresses, “A lack of awareness of opportunities or general lack of information has also

been more frequently identified as a barrier to outdoor recreation use among minority groups in

the U.S. and other countries” (Winter et al. 3). People who are uninformed about the outdoors are

less likely to participate because they just don’t have the information needed to participate in

these outdoor activities. If they were educated on the outdoors and these activities there would be

more participation taking place. That being said, less exposure to the outdoors is occurring and

the diversity of people participating is decreasing. When minorities are not exposed to nature

they can not gather insight and an understanding of the outdoors. They are disconnected from

nature, and they do not get to make new experiences. The constraints that prevent racial

minorities from enjoying the benefits of nature are essential to understand in order to develop

solutions.

Part IV: Conclusion

Today, racial minorities are still confronted with constraints discussed in the last section

that limit their opportunities to participate in outdoor recreation. The constraints these groups of

people encounter are the reason for the decrease in rates of participation. That’s why everyone

must get the same opportunity of being exposed to the outdoors. No one should have these

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constraints or any for that matter that’s preventing them from being a part of outdoor recreation.

However, without a solution, a change in participation among racial minorities will not be

shown.

Solutions are needed to see an increase in outdoor recreational participation and a

decrease in underlying constraints. Funding and programs should be created for those who are

underrepresented. We can not just continue to assume that minorities are included in our

recreation programs, we have to have intentional programs that reach out to these communities.

Creating programs that help to involve those underrepresented, such as Outdoor Industry and

Diversify Outdoors, will allow those to participate in outdoor recreation. They will learn the

values and skills associated with this. Also, they will gain a new understanding and experiences

when it comes to life and the outdoors. Funding to help those who are underrepresented is

important, so they can have the same opportunity as others. Funding will help pay for the

equipment, transportation, and access needed to participate in the outdoors. Money shouldn’t be

a leading factor that impacts whether one can participate in the outdoors or not. This is why

funding and creating programs for these individuals is so vital.

Another implication that needs to be addressed is inclusivity within the outdoors. The

more diversity and racial groups involved in the outdoors the more people will want to

participate and feel included. Making sure everyone feels included is important because

everyone should feel welcomed and valued. When one feels included they are more likely to

want to participate, and when they see others that look similar to themselves they are more likely

to feel welcomed and encouraged as if they belong in that environment. However, if an

individual does not see someone similar to their characteristics they are not going to want to take

part in this activity. This is why advertising is so crucial to the participation of underrepresented

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individuals.

Advertisements should be finding ways to include all audiences. As said before, when

one views others similar to themselves they are more than likely to feel a sense of belonging. It’s

crucial that advertisements are incorporating all the different elements and backgrounds of

people. Having people with different racial backgrounds in advertising for outdoor recreation

sparks more involvement and curiosity with different groups of people. The more advertisements

reach these different groups of people, the more likely they are to increase not just their revenue,

but the participation of minority communities. One example of a corporation that includes

diversity in their advertisements is Nike. Having more diversity in their ads has led to more

attention, and a better reputation of the corporation. That being said, it is important to add

diversity to advertisements if you want people interested in your products and what you have to

say.

It is recommended that further research should be gathered on minorities, specifically

racial minorities, and the constraints they encounter with outdoor recreation. There is some

information out there on this issue, but the current information seems to be outdated. Having

more studies conducted will provide new findings and more evidence on the current

circumstances racial minorities face in the outdoors. Some of the constraints found may have

changed over the past couple of years, so constantly getting new information could be beneficial

to understand. Also, new studies should focus more on specific minorities and groups, such as

age, race, income, etc. There should be no group left out in this study. Every minority has its

limitations that impact their participation in outdoor recreation. No matter what these

circumstances are, it is going to create a negative impact. Understanding and recognizing the

imperative nature of including minorities in outdoor recreation could lead to more inclusion in

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other industries as well. Now let us resolve this inequity so we all have an opportunity and better

quality of life, including the benefits of the great outdoors.

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 Work Cited

Borunda, Alejandra. “How 'Nature Deprived' Neighborhoods Impact the Health of People of

Color.” Science, National Geographic, 29 July 2020,

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/how-nature-deprived-neighborhoods

-impact-health-people-of-color.

Burns, Robert C., and Alan R. Graefe. “Constraints to Outdoor Recreation: Exploring the ... -

NRPA.” National Recreation and Park Association, 2007,

https://www.nrpa.org/globalassets/journals/jlr/2007/volume-39/jlr-volume-39-number-1-p

p-156-181.pdf.

Cordell, H. Ken. “The Latest Trends in Nature-Based Outdoor Recreation.” Forest History

Today, Spring 2008, 2008, https://www.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/pubs/30614.

Ghimire, Ramesh, et al. “An Analysis of Perceived Constraints to Outdoor Recreation .” View of

an Analysis of Perceived Constraints to Outdoor Recreation, 6 Nov. 2014,

http://sp.sagamorepub.com/jpra/article/view/6074/4846.

Godbey, Geoffrey. “May 2009 RFF DP 09-21 Discussion Paper.” Resources For The Future,

May 2009, https://media.rff.org/documents/RFF-DP-09-21.pdf.

Holifield, Ryan. “Defining Environmental Justice and Environmental Racism.” New York Public

Library, 2001,

https://www.nypl.org/sites/default/files/holifield_defining_ej_and_environmental_racism.

pdf.

Johnson, Cassandra Y., et al. “‘Provide It . . . but Will They Come ... - Srs.fs.usda.gov.” Journal

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 of Forestry, 2007, https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/ja/ja_johnson024.pdf.

Rowland-Shea, Jenny, et al. “The Nature Gap.” Center for American Progress, 26 Jan. 2021,

https://www.americanprogress.org/article/the-nature-gap/.

“2021 Outdoor Participation Trends Report.” Outdoor Industry Association, 2021,

https://outdoorindustry.org/resource/2021-outdoor-participation-trends-report/.

Winter, Patricia L., et al. “Equity in Access to Outdoor Recreation-Informing a Sustainable

Future.” MDPI, Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 22 Dec. 2019,

https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/12/1/124/htm.

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