Hans Klein-Hewett: Advancing Rural Park Research with Support from the CEAH
For Hans Klein-Hewett, Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture, rural parks are more than just green spaces—they are vital to the sustainability and quality of life in rural communities. Through his research, Klein-Hewett examines the role of rural parks in population retention, community well-being, and regional planning, shedding light on their significance in shaping the rural landscape. His work has been instrumental in devising a classification system for rural parks and identifying how far people are willing to travel to access high-quality parks, as well as the impact these spaces have on rural populations.
Klein-Hewett's research took a major step forward with the support of a research grant from the Center for Excellence in the Arts and Humanities (CEAH). The funding enabled him to conduct a large-scale survey of rural residents across a three-county area in Iowa, focusing on their travel patterns and recreational preferences. "This grant allowed me to expand the project’s scale and gather the data I needed in a way that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise," Klein-Hewett explained. His study revealed surprising trends—over 50% of respondents preferred traveling greater distances to visit larger, regional parks rather than utilizing smaller, nearby parks. This insight challenges conventional wisdom about park accessibility and highlights the need for strategic planning in rural park development.
The findings from Klein-Hewett’s research address a critical gap in park studies. "Ninety-five percent of existing park research focuses on urban spaces, leaving rural parks largely unexamined," he noted. By filling this gap, his work provides valuable insights for landscape architects, park managers, and policymakers, helping them design parks that truly meet the needs of rural communities. His research also underscores the broader implications of park availability, as rural areas without well-maintained parks experience higher rates of outmigration, contributing to population decline and economic challenges. In addition, Klein-Hewett’s findings underscore the important role that rural parks and recreation play in overall quality of life, demonstrating their implications for identity-building.
The CEAH research grant played a pivotal role in the success of this research by providing the resources necessary to manage the survey process effectively. "It was everything I needed to conduct the study properly," Klein-Hewett said. The funding covered essential expenses such as survey distribution and data collection, allowing him to reach a robust sample size of nearly 1,000 addresses. "Having access to this type of support is critical, especially for junior faculty who are building their research portfolios," he added.
Beyond his individual research, Klein-Hewett emphasizes the importance of CEAH as a resource for faculty across disciplines. "CEAH is unique on campus—it provides funding and support that help faculty turn research ideas into tangible projects," he said. Unlike other grant sources that often prioritize large-scale scientific studies, CEAH focuses on the arts, humanities, and social sciences, ensuring that a diverse range of academic inquiries receive the support they need. "It’s not just about funding—it’s about fostering scholarship that might otherwise be overlooked in traditional research funding structures."
Klein-Hewett’s work, supported by CEAH, has led to new research directions, collaborations, and potential applications in rural sustainability and planning. As he continues to expand his research, he sees CEAH as an essential partner in helping faculty generate meaningful scholarship. "For many of us, CEAH is a stepping stone—it provides the support necessary to launch projects that can grow into larger research initiatives."
Through his innovative work and the backing of CEAH, Hans Klein-Hewett is not only shaping the future of rural park research but also demonstrating how faculty support systems can drive impactful scholarship. His research stands as a testament to the power of dedicated inquiry and support in advancing knowledge that benefits communities across Iowa and beyond.