Proposal

   I am interested in studying the community of Pawtucket through the people’s use of their parks.  I want to know the recreational uses for the park.  What activities or events the park hosts to bring the community together.   I chose Slater Park as a field-site because I spent the majority of my childhood at this park attending their seasonal events and running through the woods.  People who usually visit parks are outdoorsmen and naturalists; they enjoy nature and being surrounded by it. It’s not only exclusive to them, joggers and pet owners use the trails for exercise, and parents use the space to let their kids expend their energy. Basically, I want to see how the people use the park and how the parks create a sense of community considering how technology has altered social interactions between teenagers.  The basis of my interests in the field site and subculture is because I am a naturalist; I am passionate about animals. Walking outside I can name several species and know everything about them from birds to mammals and insects. Family members call me and ask me what it is that their staring at.  Usually through a description or a picture I can tell them what it is and if I can’t then I do some research myself and inform them.  Also I am an artist. Pawtucket hosts the annual Art Festival between August and September which Slater Park takes part in. Also several of the events they host involves local artists displaying their work.

   Slater Park and its subcultures are significant because it is a place where you can escape the city and enjoy nature. This place was built for everyone to appreciate and be able to use for any activity. I feel that due to technology people are not outside as much as they use to be. It seems like there is less and less people each time I visit. This study maybe important to others because I hope to influence people that being the woods or a park is beneficial to their health and mind.  I want them to see that they don’t need to travel far to get a sense of peace. My work about the outdoorsmen will give insight as to why people visit these locations and what keeps them outside rather than at home. I hope to shed more light on the outdoors subculture because this generation is only concerned about their electronics and when the new version is coming out, knowing less and less about their surroundings and their benefits.