Analysis of potential impacts of a proposed salt marsh restoration in West River Memorial Park (New Haven, Connecticut) on surrounding human communities was conducted using resident surveys and behavioral sampling along the West River, a literature survey of recreational trends and behavior, and a geographic information system (GIS) of biophysical and demographic features. Current and potential use and perceptions of West River Memorial Park are influenced by physical and social barriers to access, but the demographics of human communities around the park are not the central factor barring use. Rather, physical barriers and the arrangement of residential and nonresidential space, roads with busy traffic, and municipal boundaries are among the main reasons for the park's current state. Large, strip-like areas such as West River Memorial Park that are distant from downtown and blocked by busy roads are easily abandoned. Current barriers to use will not vanish by restoring the salt marsh alone. However, well-planned attempts to ameliorate the effects of barriers, as part of the restoration can act as a catalyst for generating greater local and regional use of the area. The diversity of communities within a relatively small geographical area and the regional, multi-use potential of West River Memorial Park suggest that the area could attract a varied collection of users to sustain and enliven the park and the surrounding landscape. If the initial investment of resources and time is to generate sustainable use of the area, careful attention and effort must be invested in removing barriers to access.