Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0006-3250-8425

Date of Award

12-13-2023

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Geosciences

First Advisor

Chetan Tiwari

Second Advisor

Jeremy Diem

Third Advisor

Caroline McClure

Abstract

This study examines visitor behavior at nature parks in Miami and Atlanta, focusing on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on visitation patterns over several months. The research considers various pandemic-related variants and explores how the pandemic has affected park utilization in different neighborhoods, particularly concerning income disparities. Utilizing monthly park visitation data from 2020 to 2022, compared with the pre-pandemic year 2018–2019, alongside household median income data from Social Explorer, the study reveals significant differences in park visitation across COVID-19 variants and between the two cities. Preliminary findings highlight the varying effects of different virus strains on park visitation patterns, with substantial variations within each city. Despite the pandemic, average park visitation remains relatively stable, offering valuable insights for policymakers and park managers grappling with the evolving dynamics of park visits amid a global health crisis.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.57709/36677440

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