| Perceptions of stakeholders of Whitemud Park, an urban wildland in Edmonton, Canada, were elicited using a web-based survey based on a modified repertory grid technique and semi-structured interviews with a subset of participants. The study was framed within personal construct theory. For many respondents, Whitemud Park was viewed in terms of its conservation role, and represented a positive alternative to the "unnatural" city encountered daily; signs of maintenance and development in the park were unwelcome reminders of the city. Perceptions were highly personal and reflected past interaction with the park as well as the education and careers of the participants. Conflicting perceptions were found towards cycling, trail running, and dog-walking, and also towards the perceived roles of the less-groomed park areas. It is recommended that environmental educators and park managers be aware of these perceptions to help ensure better communication and to minimise conflicts.;Keywords. Urban wildlands, personal constructs, perception, nature, urban parks. |
