Local parks in five large cities (San Francisco, Houston, Atlanta, Chicago, Boston) were selected for a study of the use of urban parks by older adults (55 to 65 and over). Interviews were conducted with park users to determine: (1) meaning, motivation, and satisfactions associated with local park usage; (2) factors of usage such as time of day,…

A survey examined fear of crime among an elderly population as it related to leisure behavior and the use of public recreation facilities. Response to the survey showed that, although the elderly population was surprisingly mobile, reasons preventing respondents from using parks and senior centers included: lack of interest, fear of crime, health,…

For public recreation, park, and leisure services to prosper in the financially troubled 1990s, they will have to be recognized as a primary health provider. By today's standards, health, recreation, and leisure are practically synonymous. The article rethinks the concepts of health, illness, parks, and recreation. (SM)

Reviews what current research says about the holistic health benefits of park and recreation services, focusing on: health benefits according to park users; physical activities in parks; stress reduction benefits of park use; social support, self-determination, and stress reduction; observing nature in parks and associated benefits; and the…

This text introduces to the general reader the principal types of organizations providing recreation, park, and leisure services, and the roles that these organizations play in modern society. In addition, issues affecting the decision-making processes of such agencies are examined. The material is divided into two broad sections. Section I,…

A study examined how older adults in five large American cities use their local parks. Specifically, the study examined: (1) user motivation and satisfaction; (2) logistics of park use; (3) onsite behavior and attitudes; and (4) criticisms of the park environment. Implications for park management are given. (Author/PP)

This study attempts to determine the full-time, year-round employee characteristics of those employed in public, tax-supported, recreation, park, and combined recreation and park departments at the municipal, county, and special district level as well as in the state park systems. (JD)

Examines how the U.S. public views the benefits associated with local governments' recreation and park services. The study concerns use of services; types of benefits perceived at the individual and group levels; and relationships between the respondent's perception of benefits, socioeconomic and demographic status, and use of such services. (GLR)

Research shows that parks and recreation services provide people with opportunities that have substantial positive health effects, resulting in massive public-health cost savings. In a rapidly changing world, the ability to adapt and collaborate is critical for leisure services professionals. Recreation and parks must be reconceptualized to remain…

A personality and economic profile is presented of primary users of federal recreation areas. The characteristics of this outdoor recreation constituency are described and the influence of their behavior patterns and attitudes on federal land distribution policy is considered. Citing the unequal distribution of natural resources for recreational…