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Chapter 2: Recreation, Park, And Leisure

Mount Rainier National Park in Washington State, USA.
Early Morning Light at Tipsoo Lake, Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington State / Photo Credit: Diana Robinson, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Overview

Imagine you are listening to the sounds of birds chirping in a tranquil park. There is a gentle breeze rustling the leaves. You have seen people of all ages engaged in a wide range of activities today, from hiking and biking to picnicking and playing sports. As you soak in the peaceful atmosphere, you begin to realize the immense value of parks and recreation in our daily lives.

This chapter on recreation, park, and leisure studies is designed to explore the role of parks and recreation in society while highlighting the importance of leisure activities for individuals, communities, and society as a whole. You will learn about the history of parks and recreation, the different types of parks and recreational areas, and the diverse range of leisure activities available to people worldwide. Additionally, you will delve into the various benefits of leisure activities, including physical, mental, and social health, and explore the challenges and opportunities facing the recreation and park industry today. Through this chapter, you will develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the essential role that recreation, park, and leisure play in our lives.

Objectives

  • Define the role of employment positions in organizational charts in global park systems.
  • Understand the history and evolution of parks including their role in promoting tourism and conservation globally.
  • Identify the different types of parks including their unique features, attractions, and purposes (e.g., landscapes, leisure, wildlife, cultural heritage, play).
  • Describe challenges facing parks including issues related to sustainability, management, and funding.
  • Critically evaluate management of parks as tourism resources including issues related to visitor experiences, interpretation, authenticity, leisure activities, and education.
  • Explore the leisure activities and opportunities offered by parks.
  • Explain leisure as an integral component of physical and mental health, personal growth, and social interaction.
  • Discuss the importance of responsible leisure practices in parks.

Key Terms

  • Recreation
  • Park
  • Leisure
  • Games
  • Sport
  • Wilderness
  • National Park
  • Preservation
  • Conservation
  • Resource Management
  • Interpretation

Attributions

  1. Chapter opening image: Early morning light at Tipsoo Lake, Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington State by Diana Robinson is released under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

License

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Introduction to Hospitality Copyright © by SBCTC is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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