Two departments teamed up to help students collect and analyze data about usage of the Tennessee Riverpark. Students conducted surveys along several points of the Tennessee Riverpark to capture demographic and usage information.
The project began in 2008. Students in English 278, scientific writing, received help from Stefanie deOlloqui, adjunct faculty member in Health and Human Performance, while Margaret Jackson, English department lecturer, helped deOlloqui’s students.
“I taught her class during its writing portion and gave instruction on how to set up the IMRAD (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion) formula for scientific reports,” said Jackson.
Graduate students presented results at the fall Tennessee American Planning Association conference in Chattanooga. The data set will be updated with results from fall 2009 and spring 2010 semesters and will be presented this summer.
The data provides critical information that helps obtain grant opportunities. The Hunter Museum of Art also requested the data so that they can gauge the impact of the art that has been installed at several sites in Renaissance Park.
“It is much easier to make the case for expansion of our greenway network if we can document usage and perceptions on existing trails,” said Philip Pugliese, bicycle coordinator of Outdoor Chattanooga and UTC adjunct faculty member, health and human performance.
Development of pedestrian and bicycle facilities in Chattanooga is supported by the Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan and Greenways Master Plan.
“Data from this research effort will provide important baseline information as part of the planning and design of these and future projects,” said Pugliese.
The project also gives students an opportunity to gain field experience in research methods and scientific writing.
“Students come up with research questions, they really like that they’ve made an impact on their community,” said deOlloqui.
The information collected is of interest to national audiences.
“The American College of Sports Medicine has accepted two abstracts for presentation at the 2010 annual conference,” said deOlloqui.
