Managing multi-purpose leisure facilities in a time of climate change

Abstract

In this paper, we examine the ways in which multi-purpose leisure facilities (MPLFs) – being pivotal places for delivering aquatic, exercise, and indoor sport programmes – have responded to the climate change problem. The study was framed by a resource-based view of organisations which theorises that the capacity for effective responses will be dependent upon the breadth and quality of the resources available for strategy formulation and implementation. Using an intensive case study methodology, two distinct MPLFs in Melbourne, Australia, were targeted for the analysis. It was found that while the managers of each facility were aware of the climate change problem, the preparedness to initiate change in response to shifting weather patterns – either through mitigation or adaptation – was more pronounced for the facility that had a strong base of ‘environmental knowledge resources’. Additionally, these resources were used to pursue mainly adaptation strategies that included more efficient electric power use and frugal water use.