KANSAS | VISITORS SURVEY RESULTS

Visitor Activities

Special Event Family time Equestrian activities Observing wildlife & nature Boating Fishing Camping Hiking/Biking Trail use Other

Source: CEDBR

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Overall Length of Stay at Park

One (daytrip) Two days, one night Three days, two nights Four days, three nights Five days, four nights Six days, five nights Seven days, six nights Eight to fourteen days Longer than fourteen days

Source: CEDBR

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Overall Size of Visitors’ Parties

Among survey respondents, the three most popular activities were camping, spending time with family, and observing nature, each of which were engaged in by more than threequarters of respondents on their most recent state parks visit. More than 54 percent of respondents engaged in at least one of the water-based activities included in the survey, boating or fishing. The average size of respondents’ groups was 4 people, and the most common group size was 2 people, which was reported by 37.4 percent of respondents. These groups stayed, on average 4.1 days at the state park on their visit, with 40.9 percent opting for a three day stay.

The average total group spending for a state park trip was $510 and the single largest expense for the average trip was camping and cabin fees, which averaged $111. Approximately 75 percent of that spending was within 40 miles of the state park, while the remaining 25 percent was elsewhere in Kansas. Among survey respondents, 60.7 percent reported buying outdoor recreational equipment for use at Kansas state parks. The most common purchase was camping equipment, with 47.7 percent of respondents purchasing at least one tent, RV, or camper.

When asked about increasing fees to improve state park facilities, 64.4 percent supported the increase, though respondents were dividing on which fees they would prefer were increased. The highest support was for increased park entrance fees, at 29.7 percent, and increased camping fees, at 28.3 percent.

SUPPORT FOR INCREASED FEES

64.37%

30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% Outdoor Recreational Equipment Investment

Source: CEDBR

35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0%

Annual pass price Overall Prefered Fee Increase

Camping fees Charge on outdoor purchases Entrance fees Sales tax Utility fees

*Values indicate somewhat to strongly agree **N= 8,397 Source: CEDBR survey 2020

Overall Visitor Satisfaction

Would Visit Park Again

Would Recommend Park to Others

Source: CEDBR

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Survey respondents were, on average, quite satisfied with their trips to Kansas state parks; 91.9 percent of respondents would recommend the park to other potential visitors, and 79.9 percent were likely to visit the same state park again within 12 months. Respondents had generally positive perceptions of state parks, with at least two-thirds agreeing with each of the perception categories included in the survey. The most strongly held perceptions were that state parks are natural places that accomplish what they promise, and places that add meaning to people’s lives.

*Values indicate somewhat to strongly agree **Value exceeds or equals cost Source: CEDBR survey 2020

Less than 8 percent of respondents believed the value they received from their visit to a state park was less than its cost, another sign of the high level of satisfaction visitors had with the parks. The two most common benefits respondents received from their visits were spending quality time with their families, and decreasing their stress levels, with 82 percent reporting their trip increased their quality of life. These benefits were consistent across all generations of visitors to the park, with 90 percent or more each of Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials getting more value from their trip than the cost.

PERSONAL BENEFITS BY GENERATION

PERSONAL BENEFIT

Inspiring sights 82% 84% 82% Viewed unique sights 80% 83% 81% Helped Improve Overall Health 68% 73% 69% Appreciation of nature 76% 78% 76% Decreased stress 87% 92% 88% Improved Quality time with Family 80% 85% 82% Spent quality time with family 90% 93% 91% Value greater than cost 92% 94% 93% Source: CEDBR

Personal Benefits

Value greater than cost Spent quality time with family Improved quality of life Decreased stress Appreciation of nature Helped improve overall health Viewed unique sights Inspiring Sights

Source: CEDBR

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*Demographics were based on the purchaser and not the entire party. Source: CEDBR survey 2020

Kansas state parks attracted a wide variety of visitors of different generations, ethnicities, and income levels. Baby Boomers were the largest generation among respondents, comprising 40.7 percent, and the respondents’ average age was 52 years old in 2020. More than 7 percent of respondents identified people of color, with 2.2 percent identifying as Hispanic and less than 1 percent identifying as either African American or Asian. Respondents of all income levels attended the parks; 57.2 percent had annual incomes of less than $100,000, while 16.8 percent reported an income of greater than $150,000.

Visitor Demographics

Millenial Gen X Baby Boomers Hispanic Non-Hispanic African American Non-Hispanic White Other Race $150k and Above $100k - $150k $50k - $100k Under $50k

Source: CEDBR

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