Increasing Visitor Knowledge of Park History and Natural Resources via Non-Traditional Recreation: An Exploratory Study of Quicksand Enthusiasts

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.