If we transform the landfill, will they come? Predicting visitation to Freshkills Park in New York City

Efforts are underway to transform the former Fresh Kills Landfill in Staten Island (SI), NY into Freshkills Park (FKP). Data from a mail survey of 1006 SI residents were used to examine the impact of factors that might facilitate or inhibit intentions to visit FKP once it opens to the public. Facilitators significantly impacting intentions included proximity, past visitation to other SI parks, and familiarity with the FKP site when it was an active landfill. Variables representing likely use of recreational facilities or programs and the presence of children in the household were not significant. Inhibitors significantly impacting intentions included lack of trust in the government agencies managing the development of FKP and health risk concerns. The pattern of results, along with responses to open-end survey questions, suggests that SI residents are curious and are likely to visit FKP at least once. The challenge for park planners and administrators will be to garner this initial curiosity and cultivate repeat visitation and long-term loyalty.