2.4 Today’s Recreation, Park, And Leisure Services
Overview of Recreation, Park, And Leisure Services
The realm of recreation, park, and leisure services weaves together threads of well-being, community, and enrichment in modern society. These services stand as sanctuaries of respite, spaces for connection, and avenues for personal growth as we navigate the fast-paced currents of contemporary life. This section offers a panoramic glimpse into the diverse and vibrant landscape of recreation, park, and leisure services that shape our present-day experiences, foster social cohesion, and contribute to the vitality of communities.
The services encompassed in modern recreation, park, and leisure services cater to a vast spectrum of interests and aspirations, from the heart of bustling cities to the serenity of natural landscapes. Beyond the realm of mere leisure, these offerings contribute to physical vitality, mental rejuvenation, and the strengthening of bonds within communities. The world of recreation and leisure services holds something for everyone whether it is a leisurely stroll through a local park, an exhilarating outdoor adventure, or a culturally enriching community event.
Section 2.4 moves us from historical antecedents of recreation, park, and leisure and into the myriad dimensions that constitute today’s recreation, park, and leisure services. We explore the economic significance of these activities, tracing their contributions to national and state economies. Through the lens of participation statistics, we witness the widespread engagement in various recreational pursuits and the growing allure of outdoor adventure travel. Moreover, we examine how the skills and insights garnered from the hospitality and tourism industries seamlessly integrate into park management roles, enhancing visitor experiences and community engagement.
Modern Recreation: A Period of Engagement and Growth
Recreation is more than a source of enjoyment and relaxation. Recreation has become a significant contributor to economies, a driving force for domestic travel, and a catalyst for fostering physical and mental well-being. It becomes evident that recreation’s multifaceted appeal has transformed it into a dynamic and influential facet of modern society.
Recreation has emerged as a formidable economic engine, generating substantial contributions to national and state economies. Recreation accounted for a staggering $454 billion in the United States in 2021. This constitutes approximately 1.9% of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) for 2021 (Bureau of Economic Analysis [BEA], 2022). This robust economic impact is not limited to the federal level.
Outdoor recreation's share of GDP ranged from 4.8% in Hawaii to 1.3% in states like New York and Connecticut at the state level in 2021 (BEA, 2022). This economic clout underscores the fact that recreation is not merely a leisure pursuit but a critical industry that creates jobs, fuels consumer spending, and sustains local communities. Participation is so strong in recreation that it is a mega trend in modern society.
The allure of recreation activities resonates deeply with individuals from all walks of life. A remarkable 54% of Americans aged 6 and above actively participated in at least one outdoor recreation activity in 2021 (Outdoor Foundation, 2022). This impressive engagement signifies the broad appeal of outdoor experiences as a means of rejuvenating mind, body, and spirit. The top five activities (i.e., running, hiking, fishing, biking, and camping) paint a vivid picture of the diverse range of pursuits that capture the interest of modern-day enthusiasts.
Outdoor recreation is driving domestic travel and adventure. This makes the overlap between recreation, hospitality, and tourism pronounced. The compelling draw of recreation activities has played an instrumental role in the surging popularity of domestic travel within the United States (Nationwide, 2024). Outdoor adventure travel, in particular, has experienced an exponential rise in prominence. This growth signals a growing preference for experiential and nature-centric escapades. Individuals are seeking out destinations that offer opportunities for outdoor pursuits, from embarking on epic hiking trails to camping beneath starlit skies. The call of the wild, coupled with the desire to disconnect from the demands of modern life, has ignited a renewed passion for embarking on journeys that center around outdoor engagement.
The landscape of modern recreation services has evolved into a thriving and transformative force that intersects with economics, travel, and lifestyle choices. The economic significance of recreation cannot be understated, as it contributes billions to national and state economies. The participation of over half of the American population in outdoor recreation activities underscores the widespread appeal of these pursuits as avenues for holistic well-being. Moreover, the surge in outdoor adventure travel speaks to the contemporary desire for immersive and rejuvenating experiences that forge connections with nature and kindle a sense of exploration. In essence, understanding the role of recreation today entails recognizing its multifaceted impact on society, the economy, and the individual pursuit of joy and fulfillment.
Modern Parks: A Global Exploration of Preservation and Enjoyment
Parks stand as sanctuaries of nature’s beauty, cultural heritage, and shared human experiences. These expansive spaces, carefully preserved and thoughtfully curated, serve as living testimonies to our collective appreciation for the outdoors, our history, and our innate need for connection with the natural world. In this section, we embark on a journey to understand the multifaceted significance of parks today, taking a global perspective that spans national, state, and city levels.
Modern recreation, park, and leisure services are intricately woven with the threads of national, state, and city parks. From the towering majesty of national parks to the intimate charm of city parks, these spaces celebrate nature’s beauty, nurture community bonds, and enrich the lives of millions. As we continue to navigate the complexities of the modern world, these parks stand as testaments to our shared reverence for the outdoors, our heritage, and the enduring power of natural and cultural landscapes.
National Parks: Guardians of Natural and Cultural Treasures
A pivotal moment in the history of parks occurred on August 25, 1916, with the signing of the National Park Service Organic Act, commonly known as the “Organic Act,” by President Woodrow Wilson. This landmark legislation marked the inception of the National Park Service (NPS), a federal agency entrusted with the stewardship and preservation of the United States’ most cherished landscapes and historic landmarks. As a custodian of national parks and monuments, the NPS shoulders the responsibility of safeguarding the country’s natural wonders and cultural heritage, ensuring that they remain accessible and unspoiled for generations to come.
Today, the U.S. National Park system has blossomed into a cornerstone of the nation’s tourism industry, welcoming an astounding 300 million visitors annually (NPS, 2023b). Among its crown jewels, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park stands as the most frequented destination, having hosted 12.9 million visitors in 2022 (NPS, 2023a). With an annual budget of approximately $4 billion, the NPS oversees a diverse array of 424 national park sites, collectively spanning a staggering 84 million acres (NPS, 2024b). Among these, the monumental Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in Alaska emerges as a titan, covering an expansive 13.2 million acres, equivalent to around 16% of the entire national park system (National Park Foundation, n.d.). On the opposite end of the spectrum, the diminutive Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial in Pennsylvania claims the title of the smallest site, occupying a mere 0.02 acres (Errick, 2014). The preservation of these treasures is not only an ode to the country’s heritage but also a testament to the value placed on natural beauty and ecological diversity.
A Legacy of Conservation and Forest Management: The U.S. Forest Service
The journey towards preserving and managing the nation’s forests, a vital thread in the fabric of recreation and leisure services, traces its origins to the late 19th century. In 1876, Congress birthed the office of Special Agent within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, charged with evaluating the quality and condition of the nation’s forests (Forest Service, n.d.). This momentous step laid the foundation for the subsequent creation of the Division of Forestry in 1881. A significant leap forward came with the Forest Reserve Act of 1891 (also known as the General Revision Act or the Land Revision Act), granting the President the authority to designate public lands in the West as “forest reserves,” a precursor to today’s national forests.
The stewardship of these reserves shifted in 1905 when President Theodore Roosevelt transferred their management to the newly formed Forest Service under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (Forest Service, n.d.). Gifford Pinchot, a visionary conservationist, was entrusted with its leadership. Pinchot’s tenure marked a watershed moment as he championed a decentralized structure that empowered civil servants to make conservation decisions at the local level. This strategic approach revolutionized forest management, weaving a seamless tapestry of sustainable practices and protection, thereby nurturing the delicate balance between human interaction and the preservation of pristine landscapes.
The exploration of parks today beckons us to delve into the intricate tapestry of preservation, enjoyment, and stewardship that weaves together the global landscape of national, state, and city parks. From the towering expanses of national parks to the intricate urban oases of city parks, these spaces stand as testimony to humanity’s profound connection with nature and heritage. The tales they tell transcend borders, inviting us to embark on a journey that stretches beyond time and space, nurturing the soul, and enriching our shared narrative.
Modern State Parks: Celebrating Local Treasures
State parks, akin to their national counterparts, have evolved into vital components of contemporary recreation and leisure services. These cherished spaces, often spanning picturesque landscapes, historical sites, and unique ecosystems, offer a closer-to-home haven for outdoor enthusiasts and community gatherings. State governments across the United States have recognized the significance of preserving these local treasures, not only for their natural beauty but also as magnets for tourism and community engagement.
In recent years, state parks have gained prominence for their role in fostering both recreation and conservation. These parks play a pivotal part in enhancing the quality of life for residents while offering visitors a chance to experience the great outdoors. According to the National Association of State Park Directors, state parks collectively welcomed over 813 million visitors in 2020 (America’s State Parks, n.d.). The allure of state parks is underscored by their accessibility, as they cater to diverse interests, from hiking and camping to bird-watching and picnicking.
City Parks: Breathing Spaces in Urban Landscapes
Amidst the bustling concrete jungles of urban landscapes, city parks emerge as verdant sanctuaries, serving as essential breathing spaces for residents and visitors alike. These oases of greenery offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life, providing a canvas for relaxation, recreation, and community cohesion. City parks have the unique ability to foster a sense of unity and belonging, forging connections between diverse individuals who converge to enjoy their serene offerings.
As cities continue to evolve and expand, the importance of city parks becomes increasingly evident. These green spaces are essential for maintaining the ecological balance of urban environments, offering a haven for local flora and fauna. Additionally, they serve as venues for cultural events, art installations, and social gatherings, weaving a tapestry of vibrant experiences. According to the Trust for Public Land (n.d.), two-thirds of Americans live within a 10-minute walk of a park, underscoring the accessibility and centrality of city parks to modern life.
Modern Leisure: Paradigms of Leisure in 21st Century Society
Leisure has taken a different path than recreation or parks as it moved into modern society. Most of leisure’s trends exist in a more academic than applied fashion.
From the 1980s onward, critical approaches also developed in leisure studies (Parr & Schmalz, 2019). Critical theorists examined how power, domination, and social structures shaped leisure opportunities. Feminist leisure scholars highlighted gender differences in leisure. Postmodern perspectives looked at leisure subjectivities and the body. Critical race theory and postcolonialism were applied to analyze ethnicity and race.
More recent trends in leisure studies reflect changing social contexts. Some examples include:
- Examining impacts of technology and digital media on recreation, travel, and tourism
- Understanding relationships between leisure and health wellbeing
- Exploring the role of urban green spaces, community gardens, parks for quality of life
- Analyzing leisure across the lifespan from childhood play to retirement
- Investigating lifestyle sports, serious leisure subcultures, and extreme sports
- Applying positive psychology and happiness research to leisure experiences
- Developing leisure education and programming for underserved groups
- Promoting social justice, inclusion, and universal access to recreation
- Focusing on sustainability, climate change, environmentalism and outdoor recreation
- Adding global and cross-cultural perspectives on leisure meanings and activities
Academically, leisure studies is an interdisciplinary field, with scholarly contributions coming from diverse social science and humanities backgrounds. Leisure research appears in journals specific to the field, like Leisure Sciences, Leisure Studies, Leisure/Loisir, Journal of Leisure Research, and others. But leisure scholarship also crosses over into publications in fields like tourism, sports studies, parks and recreation, education, gerontology, youth studies, sociology, psychology, geography, planning, and more.
The future directions of leisure studies remain open and flexible. The nature of leisure itself continues to evolve along with wider societal changes. As patterns of work, technology use, urbanization, travel, and lifestyle preferences transform in the 21st century, academics will keep exploring the meaning and role of leisure in contemporary life. The interdisciplinary tools and critical lenses of leisure studies can provide useful insights on recreation, quality of life, human development, family and community, equity and social justice, sustainability, globalization, and more. With its multifaceted frameworks, leisure studies is poised to remain a vibrant and relevant field.
Types Of Recreational Activities And Programs
Recreational activities take diverse forms, ranging from casual leisure pursuits to more intense and skill-based endeavors. They can be categorized in various ways – by environment, physical intensity, necessary equipment, social interaction, and more.
Outdoor recreation remains a hugely popular category, taking advantage of natural settings. This includes land-based activities like hiking, backpacking, orienteering, mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and multi-sport adventures. Water-based outdoor recreation includes swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, water skiing, wakeboarding, sailing, and motorboating. Snow sports are also vibrant recreational activities, including downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
Outdoor recreation relies on extensive public park systems, wilderness preserves, forests, mountains, rivers, lakes, oceans, and other natural environments. Programming often centers on environmental education, skill-building, wellness, and conservation. Guided activities like naturalist hikes, stargazing, birdwatching tours, and campfire talks enhance visitors’ connections with nature.
Sports and fitness are another major recreation category. This covers casual pickup games, intramural leagues, youth and adult competitive leagues, clinics, and tournaments across a spectrum of sports – basketball, baseball, soccer, football, tennis, volleyball, disc golf, and more. Fitness-oriented programming spans classes and training programs focused on cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, dance, mindfulness, and holistic wellbeing. Community recreation centers are major providers of sports and fitness programming.
The arts offer enriching recreational programming. Options include visual arts classes and workshops in painting, photography, ceramics, jewelry-making, woodworking, and other media. Performing arts programming covers music lessons, choir and musical ensembles, dance classes, and theater workshops leading to productions. Literary arts programs involve writing seminars, poetry slams, storytelling events, and book clubs. Arts festivals and public art installations further engage local communities.
Many municipalities offer targeted recreation programming for youth, older adults, and people with disabilities. Youth programming provides supervised afterschool and summer activities to enrich education and social growth. Senior programming ranges from crafts classes to fitness activities tailored for older adults. Adaptive recreation uses specialized equipment and trained staff to serve people with disabilities.
Travel and tourism activities blend recreation with discovering new places and cultures. Popular options include cultural/heritage tourism, ecotourism, agritourism, wine tourism, culinary tourism, and more. Guided tours, themed trips, festivals and special events all help travelers engage with destinations. Experiential travel aimed at cultural immersion, adventure, and personalized enrichment is on the rise.
Lifelong learning programs on academic, vocational, or recreational topics are an important category. These range from lectures, seminars and workshops on history, science, art, finance, home improvement, and much more. Special interest clubs around hobbies like gardening, book groups, and chess provide regular chances to interact with like-minded peers while developing skills and knowledge.
Social recreation revolves around casual gatherings and structured events that bring communities together. municipal programming includes concerts, movies in the park, festivals, block parties, holiday celebrations, and entertainment series. Recreation facilities like community centers, senior centers, and clubs host dances, potlucks, game nights, craft fairs, dinner theaters, talent shows, and similar activities. Parks and recreation departments partner with public libraries, schools, businesses, civic organizations, and volunteers to provide inclusive social programming.
Technology has opened up new realms of digital recreation and social connection. Online gaming, media streaming, and interactive apps provide entertainment. Social media platforms enable networking around hobbies, advice-sharing, reconnecting with old friends, and exploring interests. Creative digital outlets like photo editing, blogging, video creation, and music mixing allow self-expression. Virtual and augmented reality expand interactive possibilities. Digital programming facilitates hybrid events, remote learning, and civic engagement.
A key consideration for recreation professionals is ensuring affordable access across the socioeconomic spectrum. Scholarships, discounted fees, joint-use agreements, outreach to underserved groups, multilingual communication, accessible design, loaner equipment, and inclusive policies help break down barriers. Building strong community partnerships and understanding diverse local needs are essential for successful public recreation. Adaptability and innovation will be ongoing necessities as recreation evolves with emerging technologies and societal changes.
Management And Park Maintenance
America’s National Park System
Managing America’s extensive National Park System requires a complex interplay of departments, professionals, policies, and partnerships. With over 400 park sites spanning 85 million acres, the system’s scale and diversity necessitates careful coordination. Furthermore, the National Park Service budget is approximately $4 billion and it employs a permanent staff base of 15,400 individuals. “For every $1 Congress invests in national parks, visitor spending returns over $10 to the U.S. economy” (NPS Office of Communications, 2023, para. 3).
At the helm of each park is a superintendent, who oversees all operations and staff. Superintendents must balance resource conservation, visitor access, facilities management, and partnerships. Critical duties include implementing park management plans, coordinating with other agencies, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, managing budgets and personnel, and reporting to regional directors. Leadership, collaboration, science, and policy expertise are crucial superintendent qualifications.
Park rangers are the public face of the National Park Service (NPS), providing frontline visitor services and law enforcement (Fig. below). Interpretive rangers lead tours, give talks, provide information, and educate the public about park resources. Protection rangers enforce laws, conduct search and rescue operations, manage crowds and traffic, respond to emergencies, and ensure visitor safety. Other ranger specialties include wildlife management, resources management, firefighting, and administration. Seasonal rangers supplement the workforce during peak visitation.
Resource management and science staff assess environmental conditions, study flora and fauna, mitigate human impacts, and restore ecosystems. Experts include biologists, ecologists, botanists, hydrologists, wildlife biologists, natural resource specialists and geographic information systems analysts. They monitor air and water quality, assess endangered species, track invasive species, study diseases, and research climate change impacts (Fig below). This knowledge informs science-based decision making for sustainability.
Cultural resource professionals preserve archeological sites, historic structures, cultural landscapes, museum artifacts, and ethnographic resources. Archeologists, historians, curators, archivists and anthropologists identify, evaluate and nominate park resources for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Ongoing research and documentation aids protection and interpretation.
Facility managers handle the NPS infrastructure portfolio including buildings, roads, trails, campgrounds, utilities, fleet vehicles and equipment. Planners forecast future facility needs and oversee construction projects. Facility operations specialists manage maintenance, housekeeping, property management, energy/water systems, groundskeeping, janitorial services and repairs. They ensure safe, code-compliant sites.
Administrators provide critical business operations support across human resources, budget/finance, contracting, information technology, and public affairs. They coordinate policies, procurement, records, agreements, public involvement, and government compliance. Centralized administrative programs enable efficient systemwide oversight.
Park education staff connect visitors to resources through talks, school programs, digital media, publications, visitor centers, and more. Curricula are designed to inspire lifelong learning and conservation action beyond park boundaries. Accessibility, inclusiveness, and contextualization ensure relevant, meaningful engagement with diverse audiences.
By working across disciplines, parks aim for integrated, holistic management. Interdepartmental collaboration and team building fosters systemwide thinking. Best practices and data are shared via online platforms and communities of practice. Advisory committees and partners provide outside expertise. Thanks to professionalism across all levels, parks can fulfill their inspiring yet enormously complex mission.
Looking forward, park managers will be challenged by rising visitation, climate impacts, expanding infrastructure demands, and constrained budgets. Maintaining relevance and building constituency support will be crucial. Continual workforce development and student pipelines can bring fresh perspectives. Leveraging technology for sustainability and access offers opportunities. Through coordinated effort that harnesses collective knowledge, our shared national park legacy can be safeguarded for generations to come.
State Park Systems in the USA
State park systems represent vital public green spaces and recreational resources across the United States. While narrower in scope than national parks, state park networks face similar management complexities stemming from ecological diversity, recreational demands, facilities upkeep, and lean budgets.
Most states have government agencies overseeing state park operations and planning. Agency duties include acquiring land, developing facilities, setting policies, managing capital projects and budgets, and promoting tourism. Oversight comes from commissioners, boards, or directors appointed by governors or legislatures. Supporting foundations often aid fundraising.
Park operations are led by managers or superintendents overseeing staff that provide law enforcement, maintenance, programs, visitor services, natural resource management, and administration. Larger parks may be divided into sectors with area supervisors. Managers have extensive duties running their park like a small city.
Visitor services/interpretation staff offer educational talks, tours, exhibits and junior ranger programs. They orient visitors to park resources and build appreciation. Law enforcement rangers handle public safety, emergencies, SAR, rules compliance, and managing crowds. Maintenance teams handle infrastructure upkeep and repairs. Natural resource specialists conduct resource management, monitoring and ecosystem restoration.
Behind the scenes, administrators oversee personnel, budgets, concessions, contracts, IT, public involvement, capital projects, and government liaison. They ensure operational efficiency, policy compliance, and fiscal responsibility. Centralized administration provides systemwide oversight and shared services.
Reaching beyond park boundaries, agency community partnership coordinators build relationships with schools, tourism promoters, Friends groups, recreation providers, land managers, municipalities and other stakeholders. Outreach, special events and volunteerism expand engagement.
Heavily utilized parks may have over 100 permanent staff, while remote parks function with just a manager and few rangers. Seasonal workers and embedded partners like universities boost capacity. Ongoing training and leadership development equip the workforce to grow professionally despite lean state budgets.
Looking ahead, state park systems face ecological threats, aging infrastructure, and shifting recreation patterns. Climate resilience, relevance to urban populations, equitable access, youth engagement, and public transit connections are rising priorities. Partnerships, philanthropy, fee-based revenue, grant funding, and interagency collaboration provide management support to keep these cherished places thriving.
With careful stewardship of human, financial, and natural resources, state park leaders can sustain these conserved public lands. Blending innovation with institutional knowledge will be key. By adapting creatively to emerging challenges, state park systems can continue providing cherished natural escapes that renew people’s spirits for generations to come.
Global influence of the U.S. National Park System
Some international conservation scholars and practitioners have criticized the U.S. national park system (Dowie, 2009). The parks have been called too protectionist, exclusionary, and old-fashioned in their approach Furthermore, some professionals in lesser developed countries have had difficulty emulating the U.S.’s park system network for various reasons, which has been frustrating and led some to refer to the NPS’s approach to park management as irrelevant to them. Finally, there are contentious claims in the history of NPS. First Nations rights people have begun using the term “Yellowstone model” in reference to the removal of people from a landscape for preservation purposes. Taking into account these problematic qualities, the global spread of the U.S. National Park system has had mixed impacts, particularly in recent decades.
Today, there are 6,500 national parks across nearly 100 countries; explore the Protected Planet site for parks and protected areas. These parks support wildlife conservation and ecotourism but many also have a tainted legacy of contributing to land violations and indigenous injustices. A good example of how a network of global national park systems are important on a worldwide scale could include tiger tourism and the parks set aside for their habitation.
Tiger Tourism in India
Tiger habitats span 10 countries across Asia – India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, and Russia. India is home to approximately 80% of the world’s wild tigers. It is also the primary destination for tiger tourism (Karanth et al., 2017).
By the late 1980s the tiger’s universal appeal was attracting numerous affluent and middle-class visitors to India’s tiger reserves. The framework for these reserves, which now number 53 spanning some 70,000 km² across the country, was established in 1973 under Project Tiger, an ambitious initiative administered by the Indian Government’s National Tiger Conservation Authority. Tiger reserves now receive >1 million visitors on an annual basis. For decades, tiger tourism provided considerable economic benefits to communities around the reserves, thereby boosting social support for tiger conservation (Karanth et al., 2017).
However, pressures and disturbances from tiger tourism escalated in ensuing decades. By 2012, tiger conservationists filed numerous court cases, seeking more regulation of visitors. The result was a series of legal battles with the tourism industry and reserve managers, ultimately concluding with temporary bans prohibiting entry by tourists to core areas of the reserves (Karanth & Karanth, 2012).
At present, high-end tiger tourism occupies less than 10% of the area spanning 70,000 km² in tiger reserves. Considering that all of India’s potential tiger habitats span 380,000 km², the presence of tiger tourism accounts for only 1-2% of the big cat’s entire country-wide habitat.
If managed correctly, tiger tourism can expand tiger habitats and augment their populations outside government-owned reserves. Some proponents of tiger tourism are pushing for wildlife tourism operators to gain access to privately owned land adjacent to the reserves. This could be done on long-term leases or by including farmers on those lands as shareholders. If successful, this expansion of habitat would allow more tourists to experience India’s nature while potentially building public support for and contributing to tiger conservation.
Further challenges facing National Parks
In many cases, national parks have taken the form of “islands” within human-dominated developed lands. As human societies further develop land around national parks, this isolation is projected to increase considerably. The wildlife populations within national parks do not recognize park or country borders so ecological wildlife corridors must be established and maintained to provide travel pathways on lands outside of parks. Many governments worldwide have already begun to address the issue of habitat fragmentation through the establishment of wildlife corridors. In south Texas, home to the country’s last remaining populations of ocelots (Leopardus pardalis), urban sprawl and development have taken their toll on the rare felids. As development fragments and degrades the animals’ habitats, ocelots are forced to cross busy roadways where they face serious dangers from passing vehicles.
Since 2005 conservationists have partnered with the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge to construct a network of 14 road underpasses to facilitate safe crossings by ocelots and other animals. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service zone biologist Mitch Sternberg hopes the underpasses will increase the ocelots’ chances of survival. As Sternberg stated, “Our mission here is wildlife sustainability. We want to maintain public wildlife recreation opportunities and maintain the integrity of the area for future generations of Americans” (as cited in Morse, 2022, para. 22).
2.4.7 Types Of Leisure Activities And Programs
According to John Neulinger, a German-American psychologist who studied the field of leisure studies, there are 3 main attributes of leisure activities (Neulinger, 1976):
- The experience is a state of mind;
- It must be entered voluntarily; and
- It must be intrinsically motivating of its own merit
In developed countries, leisure activities include literature, art and music.
In many low-income countries, where people commonly live according to day-to-day outlooks, leisure activities take an entirely different form. Indeed, many activities that are considered recreational in high-income countries are fundamental means of livelihood in low-income countries, e.g. fishing and construction of handicrafts.
In most communities the type of leisure activities are determined by variables such as age, gender, geography (e.g., rural vs. urban) and socioeconomic rank. In poor and rural communities there are usually no designated places for people to spend their leisure time, such as community centers and sports stadiums. Instead, people in these areas commonly gather in places of worship, neighborhood homes, and open spaces (Kaczynski & Henderson, 2017).
Participation in leisure activities has numerous benefits at both the individual and community-level. These benefits include:
- Health promotion and disease prevention – leisure activities are an enjoyable and effective way to enhance overall health and well-being; they can lower stress, improve fitness, and prevent the development of chronic diseases;
- Development of essential skills – physical and social skills can be developed through participation in leisure activities, especially at the community level;
- International peace and development – leisure activities can be considered a universal language and used as an efficient tool to promote peace, tolerance and mutual understanding of people across political boundaries, cultures, and religions (Iwasaki, 2007).
- Empowerment – leisure activities can empower people by positively influencing their self-confidence and self-esteem and sense of awareness (Green, 1998).
Attributions
- Figure 2.12: Glacier National Park by Dave Sizer is released under CC BY 2.0
- Figure 2.13: Yosemite by nestor ferraro is released under CC BY 2.0
- Figure 2.14: 20120106-OC-AMW-0635 by US Department of Agriculture in the Public Domain; Materials produced by federal agencies are in the public domain and may be reproduced without permission.
- Figure 2.15: City park in Poznan by Twisted Realm is released under CC BY 2.0
- Figure 2.16: Indonesia Rainforest in 2022 by Joe Figel, for WA Open ProfTech, © SBCTC, CC BY 4.0
- Figure 2.17: Ranger Sene inspects a backcountry permit by Jacob W. Frank/National Park Service in the Public Domain; Unless otherwise noted, all images and video posted here are in the public domain and may be used without permission or compensation.”
- Figure 2.18: Lynx Project Team by James Weliver/USFWS in the Public Domain; Materials produced by federal agencies are in the public domain and may be reproduced without permission.
- Figure 2.19: Map of Royal Belum National Park by Joe Figel, for WA Open ProfTech, © SBCTC, CC BY 4.0
- Figure 2.20: 300,000 views!! Thank You, Friends! by Koshy Koshy is released under CC BY 2.0
- Figure 2.21: Ocelot Sign in the Refuge by Erin is released under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
- Figure 2.22: Walking by PAM Phạm is released under CC BY-NC 2.0
Please look for related terms in the Glossary.
travel within one's own country or nation, as opposed to international travel to foreign countries.
the cultural, political, and intellectual movement that critiques and examines the legacy of colonialism, imperialism, and hegemony, emphasizing decolonization, cultural diversity, and social justice.
parks, gardens, and natural areas within cities and urban environments, providing residents and visitors with opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and connection with nature.
shared plots of land cultivated by local residents for growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs, promoting community engagement, food security, and sustainability.
adventurous and high-risk recreational activities that involve physical challenges, adrenaline rushes, and daring feats, such as skydiving, bungee jumping, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting.
a social and political movement advocating for the protection, conservation, and sustainable management of natural resources, ecosystems, and the environment, as well as addressing environmental issues such as pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss.
the scientific study of aging and the processes, experiences, and issues related to older adults, including health, well-being, social integration, and quality of life.
an interdisciplinary field of academic inquiry that examines the experiences, behaviors, identities, and social contexts of young people, addressing issues such as education, employment, leisure, and transition to adulthood.
Tourism activities and experiences centered around agricultural operations, farms, or rural areas. Agritourism offers visitors opportunities to engage in farm-related activities, learn about agriculture, and experience rural lifestyles.
a form of tourism that focuses on visiting wineries, vineyards, and wine-producing regions to learn about winemaking, tasting wines, and experiencing local cuisine and culture.
traveling to destinations or regions specifically to explore and experience the local food, cuisine, gastronomy, and culinary traditions.
the customer-facing roles and activities provided by tourism professionals and staff to assist visitors with information, assistance, and support during their travels.
Flora refers to the plant species found in a particular region or ecosystem, while fauna refers to the animal species.
scientists who study plants, including their classification, structure, physiology, ecology, and distribution.
scientists who study the distribution, movement, and quality of water on Earth, including surface water, groundwater, and the hydrological cycle.
professionals with expertise in managing and conserving natural resources, including land, water, minerals, forests, and wildlife.
scientists who study the behavior, ecology, population dynamics, and conservation of wild animal species and their habitats.
computer-based tools and technologies used to capture, analyze, and visualize spatial data and geographic information for mapping, modeling, and decision-making purposes.
objects, specimens, or items of cultural, historical, or scientific significance preserved and displayed in museums for educational, research, and public enjoyment purposes.
cultural materials, artifacts, traditions, and knowledge associated with specific ethnic groups, cultures, or societies.
scholars who study and interpret past events, developments, and narratives based on written records, documents, archives, and oral histories.
museum professionals responsible for the care, preservation, and interpretation of collections, artifacts, and exhibits, as well as developing exhibitions and educational programs.
professionals who collect, preserve, organize, and provide access to historical documents, records, manuscripts, and archives for research, reference, and cultural heritage purposes.
social scientists who study human societies, cultures, behaviors, and beliefs across time and space, employing methods such as ethnography, archaeology, and comparative analysis.