Assessment and Use of Park and Recreation Areas in Rowan County, Kentucky

Morehead State University’s Regional Analysis and Public Policy students researched the health and well-being of the citizens of Rowan County, Kentucky through park and recreation facilities. Rowan County has a variety of health problems that could be addressed by a focus on increased park and recreational area usage, which could improve the physical and mental health of its citizens. The National Recreation Foundation has found that the benefits of outdoor activity include: reduced risk of stroke and heart disease, lung cancer and colon cancer. These health indicators are prevalent in Rowan County. The community groups concerned with these issues include NewCity Morehead, Gateway Wellness Coalition, City of Morehead, Morehead Tourism’s Trail Town Initiative, and Sustainable Morehead, Inc.. The main aspects of the research included conducting an asset inventory of existing facilities, collecting demographic information, usage data and health benefits that different recreational facilities provide to the community and developing a pilot survey to assess the public\u27s interests. With an increased focus on park and recreation areas, our research provides community leaders with necessary scientific data to maximize economic and health benefits for Rowan County, Kentucky