TITLE:
Increasing Visitor Knowledge of Park History and Natural Resources via Non-Traditional Recreation: An Exploratory Study of Quicksand Enthusiasts
AUTHORS:
Charles K. Mullins, Michael J. Bradley, Lashé D. Mullins, James N. Maples
KEYWORDS:
Quicksand, Sinkers, Sinking, Qualitative Research, Park Management, History, Natural Resources
JOURNAL NAME:
Natural Resources,
Vol.10 No.9,
September
26,
2019
ABSTRACT: Sinkers are quicksand enthusiasts that crave
the sensation of being trapped in deep mud while being sucked downward.
Although humans have been interested in quicksand over the years (particularly
through film), there remains a void of research into the meaning and value in
the lives of those who engage in a recreational pursuit of quicksand, most notably
the community of individuals who self-describe as sinkers. The purpose of this
exploratory study was to examine if sinking can contribute to a participant’s
understanding of history and natural resources at state parks. In order to
obtain a better understanding of the effects, a qualitative study was conducted
in the summer of 2016 at Stephen C. Foster State Park, a state park adjacent to
Okefenokee Swamp. The researchers exercised grounded theory techniques and
inductive content analysis to analyze interview data and compile coded text
into four main categories: learning, enjoyment, traveling, and economic impact.
Findings suggest that participants believed their knowledge of park history and
natural resources increased through a recreational pursuit of quicksand.