Who Are the Visitors of Forest Park Grmoščica and What Are Their Needs? Results of Quantitative Exploratory Survey

• Published in: South-East European forestry Vol. 11; no. 2; pp. 169 - 180
• Main Authors: Vuletić, Dijana, Krajter Ostoić, Silvija, Šimpraga, Sergej, Matošević, Ninoslav, Kaliger, Ivana, Marin, Ana Marija, Kičić, Martina
• Format: Journal Article Paper
• Language: English
• Published: Šumarski institut, Jastrebarsko 2020; Croatian Forest Research Institute
• Subjects: participatory planning; survey; urban forestry; visitors’ needs
• ISSN: 1847-6481; 1849-0891
• DOI: 10.15177/seefor.20-19

Forest Park Grmoščica is an important part of urban green infrastructure for the citizens of the western part of the city of Zagreb. To enhance the quality of management of the forest park to the satisfaction of its daily users, it is important to know their socio-demographic characteristics, visiting behaviour, recreational activities, as well as their perception of the forest park. The survey for users of the Forest Park Grmoščica was developed within the INTERREG DANUBE’s URBforDAN project. It was filled out by visitors of the forest park using on-site face-to-face method and was also available online. The results of the survey provided information about the users of the Forest Park Grmoščica, their socio-demographic data, visiting habits and perception. Also, the typology of users was given depending on the activities they undertake in the forest park (cyclists, joggers, visitors who spend time in Forest Park Grmoščica with their families, and pet walkers) and their main characteristics. The obtained data can improve the management of the Forest Park Grmoščica in such a way that it fulfils its social and ecological function and is adapted to the needs of its users.