Local Recreation Research Articles

Local nature-based recreation as a pathway to environmental citizenship

Local parks and protected areas (PPAs) offer important settings for nature exposure proximate to home that may encourage local environmental citizenship (LEC); however, there has been limited investigation of this relationship and how it may be impacted by individual characteristics. This national panel study of U.S. adults examined relationships between frequency of visitation to local nature-based recreation settings and LEC, with assessment of differences by race/ethnicity and associations with age and political orientation (N = 556). Results indicate that more frequent visitation to local nature-based recreation settings is associated with significantly greater environmental advocacy and activism, volunteering, literacy, and political ecological citizenship. Age was negatively related to environmental advocacy and activism, volunteering, and literacy, and liberalism was associated with greater participation in all types of LEC, especially political ecological citizenship. Most LEC types did not vary by race/ethnicity, although there were small differences in environmental advocacy and activism, which was higher among Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino populations compared to Asian respondents. Findings indicate that frequency of visitation to local nature-based recreation settings is associated with LEC regardless of one's age, political orientation, or race/ethnicity, and thus increasing equitable access to local nature-based recreation, especially among those who have been historically underserved, has the potential to encourage PPA stewardship through LEC, while also contributing to the advancement of procedural environmental justice. Management implications•Environmental stewardship and volunteer organizations should focus on supporting land managers in advancing equity in local parks and protected areas (PPAs) as well as engaging users in these spaces through programs which leverage people's connection with nature at the local scale and provide opportunities for accessible involvement in environmental citizenship activities.•Interpretation and education can be used to increase individual's environmental knowledge, while contextualizing such information to places they care about.•Enhanced promotion of local opportunities for stewardship among local PPA visitors may be warranted, especially events or programs with few barriers to entry that might encourage greater future participation.

High-resolution operational soil moisture monitoring for forests in central Germany

Abstract. The forests of central Germany (Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia) are vital components of the local ecosystems, the economy, and recreation. However, in recent years, these forests have faced significant challenges due to prolonged climate-change-induced droughts, causing water shortages, tree stress, and pest outbreaks. One of the key components of the forests' vitality and productivity is the availability of soil moisture. Given the anticipated increase in the frequency and severity of drought events, there is a growing demand for accurate and real-time soil moisture information. This underscores the need for development of an appropriate monitoring tool to make forest management strategies more effective. The article introduces an operational high-resolution soil moisture monitoring framework for the forests in central Germany. The key components of this system include the advanced LWF-BROOK90 1D water balance model, a large database of the National Federal Forest Inventory, high-resolution forest soil maps, real-time climate data from the German Meteorological Service, and a web information platform for the presentation of daily updated results. This system informs the public and empowers forest managers and other decision-makers to take targeted, local measures for sustainable forest management, aiding in both drought mitigation and long-term forest health in the face of climate change. The validation of the system using soil moisture measurements from 51 stations with various sensor depths (up to 100 cm) showed an overall good agreement (0.76 median Pearson correlation), which was found to be higher for deciduous rather than coniferous forests. Finally, the framework is discussed against the background of the main limitations of existing monitoring systems and how operational soil moisture measurements contribute to better interpretation of simulations.

Happiness in urban environments: what we know and don’t know yet

There is no consensus on what makes for a livable urban environment. This requires empirical assessment of the relationship between urban characteristics and the happiness of residents. We took stock of the available research findings, using the World Database of Happiness; 445 findings are considered, from 20 nations over the years 1975–2022. We considered 3 aspects of the urban environment, 1) objectively assessed characteristics, 2) subjective perception of urban characteristics and 3) satisfaction with urban characteristics. Urbanites tend to be happier in places characterized by the following objectively assessed features: a) access to local green/nature, b) access to cultural facilities and leisure amenities, c) access to healthcare, d) access to public goods such as access to sewage and water supply and e) access to public spaces. On the other hand, residents tend to be less happy the closer they live to f) shops, g) public transportation hubs and h) the city center. Subjectively perceived environmental characteristics that go with greater happiness are: i) amenities, j) public goods in vicinity k) playground and sport facilities, while l) perceived air pollution is negatively linked to happiness. Residents were found to be happier the more satisfied they are with m) connectivity and local transport, n) local recreation o) water quality and the, p) environment as-a-whole. Correlations with objectively assessed characteristics. with the urban environment are smaller than with subjective perceptions of the same and differ in direction for living close to q) shops and r) public transportation hubs. While objective closeness to these amenities relates negatively to happiness, subjectively perceived availability and satisfaction with these amenities relates positively to happiness. Most of the available findings are of a cross-sectional nature and do not inform us about cause and effect. This strand of research is still in its infancy. By lack of a sound evidence base, claims about livability of urban settings will remain a matter of subjective hunches and sales-talk.

Psr Model with Intelligent Min-Max Estimation Deep Learning (Imin-Maxedl) for Public Service Evaluation of Sports Venues

Sports venues play a pivotal role in fostering athletic excellence, community engagement, and social cohesion. From local recreation centers to iconic stadiums hosting international events, these facilities serve as hubs of activity, bringing together athletes, spectators, and enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. The evaluation of sports venues is crucial for ensuring optimal functionality, service quality, and reputation within the community.
 The Public Service Evaluation of Sports Venues, integrating the PSR (Psychological Skills Model) model, provides a comprehensive framework for assessing the effectiveness and quality of sports facilities. This paper presents a comprehensive framework for the public service evaluation of sports venues, integrating the PSR (Psychological Skills Model) model with Intelligent Min-Max Estimation Deep Learning (Imin-maxEDL). The PSR model serves as the foundation for assessing the effectiveness and quality of sports facilities across multiple dimensions, including performance, service quality, and reputation. Meanwhile, Imin-maxEDL employs advanced deep learning techniques to optimize the evaluation process, leveraging large datasets to extract nuanced insights and predictive analytics. Through simulated experiments and empirical validations, the efficacy of the proposed framework is assessed, demonstrating significant improvements in accuracy, efficiency, and predictive capabilities compared to traditional evaluation methods. the integration of Imin-maxEDL resulted in a 25% increase in accuracy in predicting service quality ratings, while also reducing evaluation time by 30%. Additionally, the PSR model combined with Imin-maxEDL achieved a 20% improvement in reputation assessment precision, leading to more informed decision-making by stakeholders.

Exploring the impacts of woodland management on ecosystem services – a deliberative method

ABSTRACT There is a need for operational decision-making methodologies applicable at local management scales which are inclusive and enable the integration of plural values, knowledges and perspectives of co-produced ecosystem services. Here we describe a deliberative scenario analysis method using ‘management intervention bundles’ as distinct scenarios to assess the perceived impact of changing management on woodland ecosystem services. We used three hypothetical future management scenarios, Biodiversity Conservation, People Engagement and Austerity, alongside scenarios of the Past, Present and an existing Management Plan. We assessed the perceived impacts of these scenarios on 11 ecosystem services using local expert workshops in six sites across Scotland. The experts were chosen to represent a range of different perspectives, from biodiversity to the local economy, community concerns and recreation. Overall, Management Plan, Biodiversity Conservation and People Engagement scenarios performed significantly better than Past, Present and Austerity scenarios. Further quantitative and in-depth qualitative analysis revealed trade-offs and noteworthy patterns. We explore some of these key trade-offs and patterns and argue that our methodology has potential to be an effective tool for local managers to support local decision-making at management scales for co-produced ecosystem services. Our methodology enabled a diverse group of local experts to express and deliberate a range of values, experiences and viewpoints. This knowledge sharing and collective learning allowed the development of shared values and perspectives, which are thought to be critical in more equitable and inclusive decision-making.

Tourism firms’ attitudes and willingness to contribute to payments for ecosystem services in tourism

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to contribute to the discussions of the role of tourism firms in maintaining important natural environments and cultural ecosystem services of a tourism destination. More precisely, this study explores the tourism firms’ attitudes and willingness to participate in safeguarding and maintaining cultural ecosystem services in a destination through a tourism-related local payments model, Landscape and Recreation Value Trade (LRVT), developed in the Ruka-Kuusamo area in Finland. Five main themes illustrating tourism firms’ attitudes towards LRVT and willingness to contribute to it were identified: benefits, concerns and challenges, implementation, characteristics of a firm, and need for raising awareness. Based on the findings many of the expressed benefits and challenges of LRVT originate from and are connected to evaluating the impacts on the competitiveness of the firm and the competitive advantages for the destination. The study brings insight into the planning, design, and implementation of voluntary tourism-related payment schemes for ecosystem services, and discusses their potential to enhance ecological conservation, support the local economy, and serve as an incentive for private firms to act in a more sustainable manner.

Residential preferences, place alienation, and neighborhood satisfaction: A conjoint survey experiment in Toronto’s inner suburbs

ABSTRACT In this article, we study neighborhood preferences among residents of highly diverse, lower income suburban neighborhoods in Toronto, Ontario. By extending the typical application of conjoint designs to the urban domain, we show techniques for measuring place alienation—a sense of disconnection from place—and its impact on neighborhood satisfaction. We find that residents in lower SES neighborhoods share many of the same priorities as residents in higher SES neighborhoods when it comes to safety, transit, school quality, neighborliness, public spaces, and building types. However, differences appear across a range of preferences including bike usage, local commercial spaces, and cultural and recreation facilities. When considering place alienation and neighborhood satisfaction, we find a consistent, robust inverted relationship—as place alienation decreases, neighborhood satisfaction increases. Moreover, this relationship is not mitigated by socioeconomic factors, neighborhood conditions, or even attitudinal and experiential factors. We end with suggestions for future research.

New public management and aquatic and recreation centre planning and decision-making processes

ABSTRACT Rationale/Purpose: The purpose of the study was to explore how new public management (NPM) components influence the planning and decision-making of local government aquatic and recreation centre (ARCs) development. Methodology: Two case studies were conducted in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia. Data collection comprised documents (n = 264) and semi-structured interviews (n = 19) to understand the real-life experiences of people involved in ARC planning and decision-making. Deductive analysis was used to identify how NPM components influenced the ARC planning and decision-making process. Findings: ARC planners were primarily driven by financial outputs. Results identified four of the seven NPM components are active in the planning and decision-making across both cases. These include management skills, output controls, creating competition and resource efficiency. Practical implications: From a theoretical perspective, the findings suggest that resource efficiency decisions were prioritised in the ARC decision-making process. Local governments need to consider their motivations towards achieving financial efficiencies and the subsequent impacts on ARC provision. This approach influences local governments’ capacity to address social planning objectives. Research contribution: Local governments in Melbourne, Australia employ NPM principles in their ARC planning and decision-making practices.

New public management and aquatic and recreation centre planning and decision-making processes

ABSTRACT Rationale/Purpose The purpose of the study was to explore how new public management (NPM) components influence the planning and decision-making of local government aquatic and recreation centre (ARCs) development. Methodology Two case studies were conducted in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia. Data collection comprised documents (n = 264) and semi-structured interviews (n = 19) to understand the real-life experiences of people involved in ARC planning and decision-making. Deductive analysis was used to identify how NPM components influenced the ARC planning and decision-making process. Findings ARC planners were primarily driven by financial outputs. Results identified four of the seven NPM components are active in the planning and decision-making across both cases. These include management skills, output controls, creating competition and resource efficiency. Practical implications From a theoretical perspective, the findings suggest that resource efficiency decisions were prioritised in the ARC decision-making process. Local governments need to consider their motivations towards achieving financial efficiencies and the subsequent impacts on ARC provision. This approach influences local governments’ capacity to address social planning objectives. Research contribution Local governments in Melbourne, Australia employ NPM principles in their ARC planning and decision-making practices.

Facilitating rural access to quality health information through Little Free Libraries

Background: In 2020 the Health Science Center Libraries (HSCL) at the University of Florida collaborated with the Okeechobee County Public library (OCPL) on their plan to install Little Free Libraries (LFLs) within their community. It was agreed that the HSCL would provide consumer health-related materials for the Little Free Libraries and training with the goal of improving health literacy, precision medicine, and increasing rural access to consumer health materials and services. Case Presentation: Using census data, the County Health Improvement Plan, and OCPL circulation data the team identified minority population groups, potential accessibility issues, and local consumer health information needs and barriers to select appropriate resources. Additionally, partnerships were created with the local Health Department, Parks and Recreation services, the Rotary Club, and other local organizations to make the project a success. A total of 424 books were selected for the LFLs and 40 unique online resources were selected, printed, and shipped to OCPL to be used during LFL reference sessions. Technology was purchased to assist OCPL with their planned community health reference outreach sessions. HSCL created and provided online training on facilitating consumer health outreach, conducting health information reference services, and promoting community engagement for OCPL. Discussion: LFLs have become an important resource for lower-income rural families in Okeechobee. There are 7 LFLs in Okeechobee County, with a goal of eventually establishing 15 total to provide vital health resources and books. Over 2,456 items have been circulated among the 7 LFLs since May 2020. Overall, the project has been successful with positive feedback received from the community and with OCPL planning to continue to expand the project.

Foraging Pteropus Medius at Urbanized NTR Gardens Hyderabad

ABSTRACT Persistence of wildlife in urban environments may be linked to opportunism and a high degree of ecological and behavioural plasticity public interest in bats has vastly outstripped scientific research about them, presenting interesting challenges and opportunities for bat biologists. Bats are adaptive in nature and find refuge in old ruins, temples, and abandoned buildings; these structures are also being replaced or renovated and thereby bats are losing favourable places for roosting. Bats are particularly susceptible to anthropogenic changes because of their low reproductive rate, longevity, and high metabolic rates. Bats (order Chiroptera) include more than 120 species are found in India. Extant species, forming the second largest mammalian order, and are unique among mammals in their evolution of powered flight. Bats are particularly susceptible to these human-induced perturbations of habitats because of their distinct life history. Being a passionate naturalist, citizen, explorer, adventurer and a wildlife photographer an attempt has been made to study Bats and its activities like roosting and foraging at local recreation park. NTR Gardens at Hyderabad Telengana state India.

Mammalian predator and prey responses to recreation and land use across multiple scales provide limited support for the human shield hypothesis.

Outdoor recreation is widespread, with uncertain effects on wildlife. The human shield hypothesis (HSH) suggests that recreation could have differential effects on predators and prey, with predator avoidance of humans creating a spatial refuge 'shielding' prey from people. The generality of the HSH remains to be tested across larger scales, wherein human shielding may prove generalizable, or diminish with variability in ecological contexts. We combined data from 446 camera traps and 79,279 sampling days across 10 landscapes spanning 15,840 km2 in western Canada. We used hierarchical models to quantify the influence of recreation and landscape disturbance (roads, logging) on ungulate prey (moose, mule deer and elk) and carnivore (wolf, grizzly bear, cougar and black bear) site use. We found limited support for the HSH and strong responses to recreation at local but not larger spatial scales. Only mule deer showed positive but weak landscape-level responses to recreation. Elk were positively associated with local recreation while moose and mule deer responses were negative, contrary to HSH predictions. Mule deer showed a more complex interaction between recreation and land-use disturbance, with more negative responses to recreation at lower road density or higher logged areas. Contrary to HSH predictions, carnivores did not avoid recreation and grizzly bear site use was positively associated. We also tested the effects of roads and logging on temporal activity overlap between mule deer and recreation, expecting deer to minimize interaction with humans by partitioning time in areas subject to more habitat disturbance. However, temporal overlap between people and deer increased with road density. Our findings highlight the complex ecological patterns that emerge at macroecological scales. There is a need for expanded monitoring of human and wildlife use of recreation areas, particularly multi-scale and -species approaches to studying the interacting effects of recreation and land-use change on wildlife.

National scale mapping of supply and demand for recreational ecosystem services

Cultural ecosystem services (CES) are often underrepresented in ecosystem service assessments, despite the importance of these benefits. Recreation is often used to represent CES, however identifying, quantifying, and mapping these services continues to be a challenge. In this study, we develop a national CES map predicting recreation demand (e.g. walking, hiking, cycling) for the United Kingdom (UK). Recreation demand is calculated as the number of projected visits for local recreation, estimated using the universal law of human mobility which accounts for the attractiveness of an area. Recreation demand was found to be the greatest in areas surrounding high population centres, compared with protected sites which were deemed more attractive but were in more remote areas. This pattern was most pronounced when evaluating weekly visits, but was still evident where the visit frequency was reduced to annual. In this study, we also evaluate whether this demand is met for recreation by assessing the presence of paths. The mean for met demand (paths present) was 4.5 times greater than unmet demand (paths absent) for yearly visits across the UK. Generally, in the areas of highest demand close to populated centres, paths were present, making 84% of all yearly recreational demand met by path infrastructure. However, paths are lacking from 42% of the UK, with some of these areas coinciding with higher recreation demand, for example in the northeast and parts of Wales. Our study therefore highlights not only where the recreation demand is highest and access should be maintained, but also where demand for recreation exists but the infrastructure including paths are not present, and therefore has the potential to be improved. This information is useful for policy makers and land managers, as it allows areas to be prioritised for the maintenance and improvement of recreation provision under new land management policy.

The Effectiveness of a Healthy Snack and Beverage Handout and Interactive Education on the Youth Sport Snacking Environment

Childhood obesity remains a pertinent problem in the United States, with dietary intake being one modifiable risk factor (Center of Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022a). Thus, developing healthy dietary habits in children and adolescents is important in reducing the risk of obesity. An opportunity for this occurs in youth sport snacking behaviors. Research has indicated that snacks provided after youth sport games are often energy dense and high in sugar, sodium, and fat (Bennion et al., 2020; Irby et al., 2014; Rafferty et al., 2018). The purpose of the present study was to first observe the influences on snack choice in youth sport. Secondly, the effects of a multifactorial educational intervention guided by the social cognitive theory (SCT) on snack choice was examined. The intervention consisted of a handout, a Healthy Snack and Beverage page in the parks and recreation district guidebook, an educational booth during the first game, and an education session during the coaches’ meeting. Participants included 121 parents who had children participating in the youth soccer or volleyball league administered by a local parks and recreation district. A questionnaire was developed to determine parental perception of what is a healthy snack, after game snacking practices and influences on snack choice. The questionnaire was administered online to participants during league registration and during the last week of the season. Paired sample t-tests were performed to examine the differences in snacks purchased from pre- to post-intervention. Further, a multiple analysis was used to predict snack choice based on six identified influencing factors. There were 121 parents and coaches who responded to the pre-intervention questionnaire and 32 of those participants responded to the post-intervention questionnaire. There was a significant decrease in unhealthy snacks brought by parents (p=<0.05). The “health of the snack” (p<0.01) and “social media/advertising” (p=0.02) were independent predictors of snack choice (p<0.05). In conclusion, addressing the unhealthy snacking environment in youth sport through targeted educational interventions, could promote a healthier snacking environment.

Using Triathlon Camp to Develop Youth Life Skills among Diverse Campers

Innovative recreation services, such as non-traditional camps, can help provide diverse youth a chance to engage in physical activity, develop healthy relational skills, and meet others. Twenty-two participants took part in a new, 1-week triathlon camp held on a Mid-Atlantic University campus. Participants were recruited through local parks and recreation agencies and local youth running clubs. Scholarships were given to participants who expressed financial challenges through a USA Triathlon Youth Grant. The 1-week day camp took place on a college campus. The camp served the surrounding neighborhoods, which was accurately represented in the camper demographic (i.e., half the campers were youth of color). During the week, the campers swam, biked, ran, rock climbed, and participated in other multi-sport activities to help develop proper form and skills for triathlon. As guided by the USAT Splash, Spin, Sprint Camp manual, campers participated in daily swimming, cycling, running, and other related exercises. In addition, the camp included traditional camp activities such as indoor rock climbing, participation on a challenge course, and crafts. Eighty percent of the campers indicated they now want to do a triathlon, and 95% shared that they will tell their friends about the sport of triathlon. Using the practitioner-friendly American Camp Association’s Youth Outcomes Battery, campers indicated gains in competence, teamwork, and problem-solving confidence. The findings of this evaluation study provide evidence-based support for the potential of triathlon camp to enhance important developmental outcomes. The results from the evaluation support the desired outcomes for this type of camp, and with USA Triathlon support, other recreation services can use this model to replicate. A unique aspect of this program was its setting and participant composition. That is, this day camp, hosted in an urban area, had a diverse group of campers with youth from various ethnic and sport backgrounds. Over half (60%) of the campers were of color, providing evaluation data from often underrepresented groups of interest. This program evaluation provides a template for other camps on campus model to focus on diversity, equity and inclusion of our youth. Currently, there is only one African American female professional triathlon in the United States. We need to be more intentional offering unique programs (e.g., triathlon camps and nonprofits) to all youth. Grants can be pursued by camps, municipal parks and recreation, nonprofits to remove some of the financial barriers preventing many youth of color from exploring the sport of triathlon.

Voting Yes for Funding Public Parks: The Effectiveness of Social Media Communication in a Tax Referendum Campaign

Although local park and recreation agencies rely on various types of funding, tax-based allocations are the most significant funding source. Unfortunately, tax-based allocations have not kept pace with growing user demands and maintenance backlogs. As such, successful tax referenda are becoming critical for sustained operations and capital investment. Among the various activities that may sway public opinion, strategic messaging through a variety of media may be one of the most important. Using a county-level public park agency’s 2020 tax referendum as a case study, the purpose of this study is to identify successful communication strategies of open space referendum campaigns that secure support from voters. Data were collected from the campaign’s official Facebook page to examine what message content and post type were effective in increasing voter awareness and engagement. Results from regressions showed that messages that explained the ballot in plain language (e.g., Simplify Ballot Language), demonstrated support or approval from local organizations or local champions/celebrities (e.g., Endorsement), broke down the total amount of tax being requested (i.e., Temporal Reframing), and empha-sized the direct benefits if the referendum were passed (i.e., Direct Outcome) were most effective in increasing the awareness of the referendum. Among Facebook page followers, posts that demonstrated campaign efforts/activities (i.e., Demon-stration) and acknowledged individuals’ or organizations’ efforts to support the campaign (i.e., Acknowledgement) effectively increased engagement. In terms of Facebook post types, photo posts and video posts generally performed better than link and shared video posts. The study has three main practical implications for open space referenda advocates and managers concerned with campaign commu-nication: (1) solicit and demonstrate support from highly regarded local organiza-tions or individuals; (2) emphasize the direct benefits and break down the total amount of tax being asked; and (3) use short videos and scenic images.

The Impacts of Offshore Wind Farms (OWFs) on Local Tourism and Recreation -- Evolving Lessons from Practice

The article examines the nature of impacts of the rapidly growing Offshore Wind Farm (OWF) industry on tourism and recreation in coastal communities, especially in the UK. The multi-methods research approach includes reviews of literature, content of OWF Environmental Statements (ESs) for predicted impacts, recent practice for actual impacts, and the use of mitigation and enhancement measures. Findings from literature indicate that the overall impact on tourism appears relatively benign, and sometimes positive. The UK ES review identified tourism as an important topic, identifying mostly no/negligible predicted negative impacts, and some examples of predicted positive impacts. There is limited use of enhancement measures, including visitor centres and boat trips, and a previously under-reported use of developer community benefits funding for local area recreation and tourism facilities. Recommendations include early engagement with the community, developer long-term commitment to mitigation and enhancement measures, plus monitoring of tourism and recreation impacts over time.

Situating the silence of recreation in transit-oriented development

ABSTRACT Transit-oriented development (TOD) is a prominent planning model that connects sustainable mobilities with land use. While this interface is crucial for sustainable development, it also requires, we argue, that all typesof mobilities are considered. Therefore, this paper scrutinises how recreation and its mobilities have been studied within academic TOD literature. The review reveals a small number of studies of recreation, and by paying attention to their diverse geographical settings the scattered knowledge becomes even more apparent. Thereafter, to illustrate the consequences and situate our reading, we offer a place-based critique of the TOD planning in a Swedish city. The case captures how policies silence local resourcesfor recreation, not least by misinterpreting the modernist planning legacy. Finally, we argue that integrating recreation in the TOD model is as important as it is challenging: it requires a reconsideration of the urban ideal that TOD relies upon.

ORGANIZATION OF LEISURE ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS IN EXTRACURRICULAR EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS OF THE END OF THE XX - FIRST QUARTER OF THE XXI CENTURY

The article considers the organizational aspects of leisure activities for children with special educational needs in extracurricular educational institutions during the independence of Ukraine. Based on the analysis of legal documents, review of scientific works of this period, practical experience of activities in the field of extracurricular education, a vision of the content, forms and types of work with the younger generation is formulated. The content of the organization of leisure activities is revealed through a set of principles and functions. The most important principles of organization are the principles of consistency; systematicity; voluntariness; differentiation; availability and quality of leisure services; compliance of leisure services with local conditions; interest; unity of reaction and cognition; common activities; individualization; interdisciplinarity; practicality; visualizations, etc. The main functions of the organization of leisure activities are recreational and entertainment; cognitive and developmental; socially adaptive; communicative; information and educational; game; educational; value-oriented; creative, etc. The characteristics of the organizational structure of management and state regulation of the system of extracurricular educational institutions at different levels of government and taking into account industry characteristics and types of institutions are given. Some extracurricular educational institutions include education, culture and art, physical education and sports, tourism and local lore, health and recreation. It is revealed that the interaction of institutions and establishments of different levels of management of extracurricular education, pupils, parents, pedagogical collectives, separate teachers-organizers is carried out on the basis of partnership. The draft Law of Ukraine on Amendments to Some Laws of Ukraine of April 29, 2021, which proposes a corporate form of ownership, which provides for the conclusion of an agreement between several founders of different forms of ownership on the basis of public-private partnership. It was found that the corporate form of ownership will be able to increase funding for extracurricular educational institutions and improve their resources. It is concluded that the modern system of leisure work in extracurricular education includes extracurricular and extracurricular activities in educational institutions, palaces, centers, houses, libraries, stadiums, theaters, museums, which have permanent clubs, groups, sections, clubs, studios and others. creative associations.

Urban greenspace and anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic: A 20-month follow up of 19,848 participants in England.

This study examined the association between greenspace and the growth trajectories of anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using data from 19,848 urban residents in England who were followed for 20 months between March 2020 and October 2021, we found that living in an area with higher greenspace coverage (exposure) was associated with fewer anxiety symptoms independent of population density, area deprivation levels, socio-demographics, and health profiles. There was limited evidence that greenspace was related to the change of anxiety symptoms over time. No association with anxiety trajectories was found when considering distance to nearest greenspace (proximity), highlighting potentially differential mental health effects of simply having access to local parks and recreation areas versus living in areas of greater natural environment land cover. These findings have important implications for mental health intervention and policymaking.