Workshop Will Explain Visitor Study Results

Date: May 22, 2009
Contact: Adam Prato, [phone]

WEST BRANCH, IOWA—Everyone is invited to hear the results of the visitor survey conducted last summer at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. On Wednesday, June 3, the park will host a workshop, facilitated by Dr. Lena Le of the University of Idaho, to explain the results. The workshop begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Visitor Center and is expected to last approximately 1½ hours. Refreshments will be served.

The Visitor Services Project, part of the National Park Service Social Science Program, provides park managers with scientifically accurate data about visitors. More than 165 in-depth visitor studies have been conducted since 1988 in 140 units of the National Park System. The studies answer questions about visitors: who they are, what they do, what they need, and what their opinions are. Parks use the results to improve visitor services and facilities. Local businesses can use the data to determine how visitors are contributing to the area economy, and to discover new markets.

Last summer’s study at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site had an excellent response rate of 72 percent. “We’re encouraged by the enthusiasm with which our visitors answered the survey,” said park superintendent Cheryl A. Schreier, “We will use the results to make our visitors’ experience even better.”

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum are in West Branch, Iowa at exit 254 of I-80. Both are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Parking is limited so please allow extra time to find a parking space.