The State of Inclusivity in the Outdoors — Episode 123

When most people think of the outdoors, their associations are
primarily positive. Happiness, relaxation and calmness all come
to mind. Even as issues of social injustice and racial inequality
increasingly impacted many over the past few years, communities
have sought a form of escape in the outdoors.


Outdoor leader Merrell exists to share the simple power of being
outside. Knowing the globally recognized benefits of being
outside, Merrell conducted a study of cross-cultural perceptions
and experiences in the outdoors to better understand how race,
ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation and income affect
how welcome people feel outside. The brand believes the trail is
for everyone – inspiring the drive behind the study to make the
outdoors inclusive and welcoming to all.


The study – Inclusivity in the Outdoors Report – unveils that
despite the globally recognized benefits of being outside, not
everyone’s associations fit the positive narrative. Revealing “a
tale of two outdoors,” the study shows more people getting
outside overall and that positive sentiment has increased.
Respondents across the globe indicate a 4 percent increase in
feeling happy or alive and a 2 percent increase in feeling
thankful when outside.*


Key Findings


The six main takeaways from Merrell’s global outdoors audit are:
Conflicting emotions exist when outside across the globe​
Indigenous communities face barriers to being in their natural
homes​ Communities of color still feel cautious about the safety of
outdoor spaces​ Women have growing concerns regarding safety and
continue to be underrepresented​ Income impacts outdoor
participation​ LGBTQ+ people are left out despite a desire to
participate

The Inclusivity in the Outdoors Report showcases there are still
barriers to overcome. It is important to address the obstacles
that those who identify as Woman, Black, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+
people, and those with lower incomes encounter to ensure everyone
feels welcome outside while helping decrease the associations
that do not fit within the positive narrative. Merrell is calling
for industry leaders — including local park and recreation
professionals — to help.


Actions You Can Take
Expand representation in marketing. Commit to getting youth
outside as early as possible to instill a lifelong love of the
outdoors and increase a sense of ownership and belonging. NRPA
members are encouraged to leverage the Equity in Practice Resource
Library which offers a set of vetted and carefully curated
articles, books, technical resources, podcasts, videos and
webinars. Fund green spaces in urban areas to improve recreational
areas closer to home. Address both physical and perceived access
issues for underserved communities. Establish and leverage
partnerships, provide transportation, reduce, subsidize or
eliminate admission fees, and provide access to lower-cost or
refurbished products. Redefine and reimagine outdoors.

The outdoors is everywhere and for everyone. And, outdoor
experiences are as diverse as the communities who enjoy them.
When we expand upon our perception of the outdoors, we help make
it more inclusive for those who have different experiences. Think
beyond camping and hiking. Backyards and front yards,
playgrounds, city parks, kids walking to school, taking the dog
for a walk, sitting outside and watching wildlife, going to get
coffee/pizza, gardening, bicycling, and commuters enjoying fresh
air as they walk to work. The outdoors is ubiquitous, and it’s up
to us to help all feel welcome.


The Trail Ahead


In partnership with Merrell, the National Recreation and Park
Association is working to increase access to green spaces and
bring park improvement projects to life in communities hit
hardest by park funding inequities. The journey toward
inclusivity in the outdoors means supporting diversity,
representation, education and awareness.


The trail is for everybody regardless of size, gender, race or
ability. We all need to work together to create a welcoming
environment in the outdoors not only because it’s the right thing
to do, but it’s imperative to continue the protection and
conservation of the natural environment that sustains us all. The
more people we can inspire and welcome to the outdoors, the more
people will learn to enjoy, respect and work hard to conserve our
natural spaces.


This episode is sponsored by Merrell, and the above text was
written by Merrell CSR Marketing Manager Regina Hill.