Urban Parks, Critical Race Theory, and Race Equity in the U.S.

Abstract

Leisure studies scholars have established that racial and ethnic minorities tend to visit parks in proportionately smaller numbers than do White Americans (Krymkowski, Manning, & Valliere, 2014). Leisure studies scholars often cite marginality, subculture, or discrimination hypotheses to explain racial minorities’ park usage patterns and preferences. These scholars have increasingly evoked intersectional approaches by adding sociodemographic variables to develop a richer understanding of differences in park usage among minority park users. Despite the evolving contributions of such studies, scholars have neglected to address why differences matter, and how discourse about race operates within leisure research (Gómez, 2008). I contend that current explanations used by leisure studies scholars conceal the effects of social inequalities on minority park usage. Usage disparities may be symptomatic of broader political struggles regarding social positions on a racial hierarchy (Byrne, 2012). I argue for a shift from individual level cultural explanations to perspectives that consider the role of structural factors in producing inequitable park usage among minorities, specifically among African Americans. Edwin Gómez, a leisure scholar, identifies the need to “deconstruct” the historical role of “whiteness” and its impact on recreation (2008). Per his suggestion, I apply Critical Race Theory concepts to begin exploring history and whiteness in public parks (Gómez, 2008). Critical Race Theory is broadly concerned with investigating the “relationship among race, racism, and power” (Delgado, Stefancic, & Harris, 2017, p. 2). In this paper, I highlight the evolution of leisure studies race and racism research and the shortcomings of the literature. Then I build on this literature by suggesting potential lines of further inquiry regarding how structural, intentional, and temporal forms of racism within the park system shapes park usage. I conclude with a reflection on urban parks potential to connect people from different backgrounds.