Recreation Department Research Articles

11.F. Scientific session: If we build it, will they come? Evaluation of citywide park redesign and renovation in NYC

Abstract Urban environments, such as parks, play a crucial role in shaping the health of their residents. However, the relationship between parks and health remains inconclusive. This workshop will present findings from the Physical Activity and Redesigned Community Spaces (PARCS) Study that examined the community health impacts of the Community Parks Initiative (CPI), a citywide park equity initiative of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) that led to citywide park redesign and renovation across 67 low-income neighborhoods in NYC. Using a quasi-experimental design with socio-demographically matched control parks, we evaluated longitudinal changes in park use, physical activity, and psychosocial well-being as a result of CPI. There will be a total of 3 presentations. The first presentation will focus on the impact of CPI on park use before and after park renovation, relative to control parks, using data collected from the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC). Results showed that CPI led to a significant net increase in park use, especially among adults. The second presentation will report on changes in perceived stress pre- and post-renovation among adults. Results showed that a greater decrease in perceived stress was associated with a sustained high or increased park use frequency in the context of high-quality CPI intervention parks. In contrast, the same association was not found in lower quality control parks. The third presentation will showcase a study that demonstrated a significant increase in children’s physical well-being, a dimension of quality of life, at CPI vs. control sites. The analysis also showed that children in the lowest socio-economic group might have benefited the greatest from CPI. PARCS is one of the largest intervention studies on the effects of park renovation on health. This workshop will engage participants in considering how these insights can be translated into actionable programs and policies in service of community health and health equity. Findings from PARCS will help inform future public health and urban planning interventions in the use of the built environment to promote population well-being. Key messages • Urban park renovations may contribute significantly to community health, demonstrating a vital link between the built environment and public health. • Investments in green spaces may enhance the physical and mental well-being of low-income urban communities, promoting social equity.

Adult Sports Participation and Physical Activity: How About Curling?

Despite its well-documented physical and psychosocial benefits, sport remains the least engaged form of physical activity (PA) among adults. Many adults may lack the skills needed to play or continue to play sports and aging adults are more likely to avoid participation for fear of poor performance or injury. A sport that shows great promise for adults seeking new sports participation outlets is curling. Curling is a team sport comprised of four interchangeable positions working collectively to deliver granite stones across a sheet of ice in an effort to outscore the opponent team. While it seems reasonable that walking on ice, “throwing” a 44 lb granite stone across a sheet of ice, and periodically sweeping while walking on ice over a two-hour period would generate at least a moderate amount of physical activity, research to date is quite limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to objectively measure the amount and intensity of PA achieved by average recreational curling participants during a typical curling match. Methods Members of a curling club in NC were asked to wear Actigraph Accelerometers (model GT3X) while they participated in their regularly scheduled curling match. All participants had at least one year of curling experience. Curling matches lasted between 90 and 120 minutes. Participants were asked to indicate their age, gender, and curling position during the match (lead, second, vice, skip) which were matched with accelerometer data. Results Overall, 110 participants (37 female, 73 male, avg. age 50 yrs) spent most of their curling time in light or moderate-intensity activity (18.1% Sedentary; 49.5% light; 32.4% moderate; .03% vigorous). In terms of minutes, the average participant spent 35.9 minutes engaged in Moderate-to-Vigorous PA (MVPA) per curling experience. This represents 23.9% of the weekly 150min of MVPA suggested by the CDC. The second position had the highest percentage of moderate activity level and a small percentage of vigorous activity. No other position reached a vigorous level. The skip position had the highest amount of sedentary activity as well as light activity. Females had a higher level of moderate activity in comparison to males. However, males reached a small amount of vigorous activity. The age group of 18 - 36 had the highest amount of moderate activity and the lowest amount of sedentary activity. This age group reached an average of 41.0 minutes of MVPA per curling experience. The age group of > 58 had the highest amount of sedentary activity and the lowest amount of moderate activity. Conclusions Curling may be a good sports participation option for adults looking for alternatives to meet recommended weekly amounts of MVPA. Participants should consider playing in one of the first three positions to maximize the amount and intensity of PA achieved while playing. Furthermore, since curling also requires balance, coordination, muscular strength, multitasking, strategic reasoning, and can cater to most physical challenges without compromising the integrity of the game, it may be an ideal sport to promote for adults of all ages and sport abilities. Implications for Practice and Policy Findings should be used to inform strategies for promoting curling as an opportunity for team sport involvement that has the added value of contributing to daily physical activity. However, , access and opportunities to play, especially for underserved populations, are limited. Given that most curling clubs in America are private and require a membership to play. Partnership arrangements between existing clubs and public parks and recreation departments could increase both access and opportunities to play.

Understanding the Fundamental Reasons for the Growth of Pickleball

It’s no secret that Pickleball as a sport has been rapidly increasing in popularity. Sometimes called “mini tennis”, this newer sport, incorporating the use of a wiffle ball and smaller plastic paddles, has reached record numbers in 2022 with participation growing 85.7% since 2021. Pickleball has surpassed sports such as soccer, tennis, and even basketball in the US. This paper seeks to analyze the reasons behind this rapid growth, as pickleball remains the fastest-growing sport in America for the fifth consecutive year. The results of this analysis conclude that the rapid rise in Pickleball is due to three main reasons: the sharp increase in pickleball participation due to the Covid Pandemic, where sports involving social distancing were more sought-out; the fact that people see Pickleball as less competitive and therefore more inclusive and enjoyable; and because the risk-benefit ratio works in favor for most recreational departments.

Preliminary effects of a rural skin cancer prevention intervention for youths.

To pilot and assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of the Rural Adult and Youth Sun (RAYS) protection program, a multilevel skin cancer preventive intervention for young children living in rural U.S. communities, delivered through community-organized team sports. Three rural counties in Utah participated with two receiving the intervention and the third serving as a control. Youth sports leagues were recruited through recreation departments and the study took place from May through October 2021. Intervention leagues received sun protection supplies for players and coaches, educational materials for parents, and coaches were offered training on skin cancer and sun protection behaviors. The RAYS program is both feasible to deliver and acceptable to coaches, parents, and players. The intervention also demonstrates beneficial preliminary effects on components of observed child sun-protective behaviors, coach sun protection behaviors, knowledge of skin cancer prevention recommendations, and self-efficacy in skin cancer prevention. Multilevel interventions for skin cancer prevention among young children can be successfully delivered through community organizations and their settings. A priority moving forward is the identification of ways to optimize delivery of such programs to positively influence skin cancer preventive behaviors among children living in diverse rural areas. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Building program "wellness" for the correction of the figure of women of the first mature age

This article examines the importance of an approach to health and weight loss through the prism of the concept of Wellness in women. "Wellness" is a global approach to health care, covering physical, emotional and social well-being. The author emphasizes the importance of integrating "Wellness" into everyday life in order to achieve a sustainable and comprehensive approach to maintaining health and achieving weight loss goals.
 The article discusses the key components of wellness for women, including physical activity, nutrition, stress management, and psychological well-being. Practical tips and recommendations aimed at creating a healthy lifestyle adapted to the individual needs of women are provided.
 The article also emphasizes the importance of self-respect and a positive attitude towards one's body. "Wellness" calls for understanding the unique needs of each woman and creating a harmonious balance between physical and emotional well- being. The article provides practical advice on how to integrate simple exercise and healthy skills into women's busy daily lives.
 The following methods were used to achieve the goal: theoretical analysis and data processing, descriptive method, classification, systematization and generalization of scientific and methodical literature, sociological research methods and methods of mathematical statistics.
 The research was carried out at NUFVSU, at the Department of Health, Fitness and Recreation, as well as at the fitness studio "GLOW FLY&DANCE" in Kyiv. Women in the first period of adulthood who work in the fitness studio "GLOW FLY&DANCE" took part in the research. The total number of women is 40.
 Considering the effectiveness of a complex of wellness programs in correcting the figure of women in the first period of adulthood, a complex of high-interval training, cosmetology procedures, SPA procedures, as well as general nutritional recommendations was selected.
 Prospects for further research. Further research will be aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of the proposed program.

Epidemiology of Concussive Injuries in Collegiate Recreational Athletes

Concussion rates are commonly reported in high school and National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) sports. Given that participation in collegiate recreation is on the rise, institutions should examine concussion rates within their recreational programs. We, therefore, retrospectively examined a recreational department's injury reports establishing concussion rates across ( n = 16) club and ( n = 10) intramural sports at a public university in the southeastern United States from 2016 to 2019. One hundred and thirty-five concussions (club n = 56; intramural n = 79) were identified and constituted 12.4% of documented injuries ( n = 1,088). The intramural concussion rate was 0.57 per 1,000 athletic exposures (AEs) and AE was greatest in outdoor soccer (0.99 per 1,000 AE). Therefore, our data suggests an increased incidence of concussions in intramurals compared to published rates in NCAA and high school sports. Collegiate recreational departments should consider these concussion rates when formulating risk management strategies.

Ole Miss student employment program delivers more than a job

When students become employed in the campus recreation department at the University of Mississippi, they sign on for much more than just a job. And that's thanks to Peter Tulchinsky, Ed.D., who launched the student employment professional competency program when he became Director of Campus Recreation at Ole Miss in September 2014.

Ole Miss student employment program delivers more than a job

When students become employed in the campus recreation department at the University of Mississippi, they sign on for much more than just a job. And that's thanks to Peter Tulchinsky, Ed.D., who launched the student employment professional competency program when he became Director of Campus Recreation at Ole Miss in September 2014.

Recreation Center Membership Continuation: The Power of PRICE

Community parks and recreation departments continue to expand the size of indoor recreation centers with more dedicated spaces and an increased scope of services that includes a significant investment into the fitness division of the operation. Many modern community recreation centers require memberships, with the revenue from memberships creating self-sufficiency, and allowing the facility to operate with limited reliance on a declining tax-based support system. Keeping existing members is less work than recruiting new members, and the industry must continue to investigate how specific operation variables influence continuation. This study examined community recreation members’ (three locations; n = 353) perceptions of price, staff, equipment, programs, locker rooms, and facility parking effects on the intention to continue membership. The data were collected online, and the direct effects are examined using SPSS, AMOS, and MS Excel Advanced Statistical Analysis. The results of this research determined that membership price was the primary positive contributor to willingness to continue membership in the overall model and for each of the three locations, staff and equipment were significant in the overall model, yet the importance of these service quality dimensions differed by location. Finding differences at each location demonstrates why each operation needs to conduct regular assessments to track and gain insight into what matters to their unique customer group.

INVESTIGATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DIGITAL GAME ADDICTION AND SPIRITUAL INTELLIGENCE LEVELS OF RECREATION DEPARTMENT STUDENTS

Introduction: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between digital game addiction and mental intelligence levels of recreation department students and to contribute to the relevant literature. The research was conducted using descriptive scanning (survey) and relational scanning model in order to Decipher the relationship between digital game addictions and spiritual intelligence levels of the students of the department of recreation. The study group consists of 156 recreation department students. The Personal Information From, the Digital Game Addiction Scale (DGAS) and the Spiritual Intelligence Characteristics Scale (SICS) were applied as data collection tools. Descriptive statistical methods (percentage, frequency, average, standard deviation) were used in the analysis of the data in the research. Kurtosis and skewness values, Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests, Levene (equality of variances) test, T test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and correlation analysis were used to determine whether the data met the prerequisites of parametric tests. According to the results obtained; a significant difference was found in the sub-dimensions of DGAS and SICS in terms of gender, age, grade and general weighted grade point average variables. As a result of the correlation analysis, low level of positive directional relationship was found between the GAS and SICS sub-dimensions. As a result, we can say that it directly affects the spiritual intelligence levels of recreation department students with a high level of digital game addiction.

Student employment program delivers more than just a job

When students become employed in the campus recreation department at the University of Mississippi, they sign on for much more than just a job. And that's thanks to Peter Tulchinsky, Ed.D., who launched the student employment professional competency program when he became Director of Campus Recreation at Ole Miss in September 2014.

Physical Activity Promotion in North Carolina: A Reassessment of Public Park and Recreation Directors

Regular physical activity is widely considered by public health and parks and recreation professionals as a key determinant of individual and community health and well-being. Prior research has shown that building sustainable health partnerships with community organizations can help parks and recreation departments meet many US health challenges. This study examined the perceptions of North Carolina public parks and recreation directors regarding physical activity and health partnership practices in their communities. Directors from two-hundred and seventy five North Carolina city and county parks and recreation departments were surveyed in the Spring of 2022 to determine 1) directors’ effort allocation in promoting physical activity toward vulnerable populations, 2) challenges associated with promoting community physical activity, and 3) differences in effort allocation, future priorities, and partnership among varying director and departmental demographics. Results were compared to findings from a 2007 study of NC perceptions of health partnerships, upon which the present study was based. One hundred and twenty three completed questionnaires were returned, resulting in a response rate of 45%. Directors in 2022 allocated similarly higher levels of effort toward older adults, families, and people with low income as did directors in 2007, while youth and adults with disabilities and people with chronic health conditions received lower allocations of effort from directors in 2022. Barriers such as lack of staff knowledge on how to promote physical activity, lack of citizen and political support, and lack of knowledge of under-represented groups’ physical activity preferences were less pronounced in 2022 compared to 2007. Several distinct differences were revealed between female and male directors’ rankings of effort and future priorities, as well as their perceptions of physical activity opportunities for women and people with disabilities. Partnerships with county health departments are being utilized more in counties with the highest health disparities compared to more healthy counties, indicating that partnerships are being targeted and implemented in areas where resources are most needed. This study represents a meaningful extension of research conducted prior to the 2008 Great Recession and COVID-19 pandemic and provides recommendations for public parks and recreation departments to consider promoting physical activity and building community resilience in the face of future economic and health challenges.

Student employment program delivers more than just a job

When students become employed in the campus recreation department at the University of Mississippi, they sign on for much more than just a job. And that's thanks to Peter Tulchinsky, Ed.D., who launched the student employment professional competency program when he became Director of Campus Recreation at Ole Miss in September 2014.

Determinants of Student Learning Achievement (Case Study on Department of Physical Education Health and Recreation Students at Musamus University)

Education essentially aims to form fully qualified human resources. The quality of education is related to the learning process because the learning process is one of the most important aspects in the field of education. The purpose of this study was to determine the determinants of learning achievement in students of Physical Education, Health and Recreation at Musamus University. The population in this study were students of the Department of Physical Education, Health and Recreation, Musamus University, class of 2022. The sampling technique used was accidental random sampling. Data collection techniques were carried out using interviews. Data analysis techniques using descriptive statistical analysis and inferential statistical analysis. Based on the results of the analysis it was found that the learning achievement of Musamus University Physical Education Health & Recreation students was significantly influenced by all research variables (motivation, interest and talent).

What Makes Collegiate Sport Club Programs Successful? Exploration of How Success Is Measured and Perceived

Collegiate sport club programs are increasingly expected to demonstrate effectiveness and impact, as such the evaluation of program success is critical. Current evaluation methods are often subjective and lack standardization across programs. Unlike other recreational programs, sport clubs have unique organizational structures, with student officers responsible for various tasks related to club operations with unclear measurable outcomes. This study aimed to address this gap by investigating how collegiate recreation departments evaluate sport club program success and identifying critical success indicators. A Delphi design was used to gather expert opinions, and qualitative and quantitative data analysis was employed. The findings highlight various evaluation methods employed by administrators, including annual assessments, participant interviews, and point systems. Furthermore, indicators of success encompassed club activities, operations, and status, as well as participants’ experiences and development. These findings provide valuable insights for program administrators to tailor support and enhance the effectiveness of collegiate sport club programs.

Using Internet Access for Service Continuity amid the Covid-19 Pandemic in the North West Provincial Public Libraries of South Africa

The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed the many ICT infrastructural challenges entrenched in community libraries. This study determined how public libraries in the North West Province of South Africa could use internet access to continue the provision of information services to clients amid the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond. This was guided by key research objectives, namely to ascertain the status of internet access in North West provincial public libraries; determine the effect of the Covid-19 lockdown on services in North West provincial public libraries; and identify ways to use technology for service continuity in these libraries. The study adopted a quantitative research approach and employed a survey design. A questionnaire was used to collect data from a purposive sample of 15 public libraries in the North West Province. This sample was derived from a population of 123 community libraries falling under the provincial Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation. The findings revealed that there was a lack of funding to develop and support the ICT infrastructure in community libraries. It was further revealed that most of the province’s community libraries did not have access to the internet due to expired contracts with internet service providers (ISPs). Furthermore, the study revealed a lack of business continuity planning in community libraries. The study recommended that the province provide funding to community libraries for the development and maintenance of ICT infrastructure. The development of a central point in the province to manage internet access to community libraries was further recommended. It was further recommended that community libraries develop business continuity plans in consultation with stakeholders.

Supporting rural low-income families: a municipal recreation department's response to community crisis

ABSTRACT Recreation is an important resource that can support residents’ capacity to cope with stress and deal with community crisis, such as a pandemic. However, rural low-income families often experience inequitable access to recreation provisions. COVID-19 pandemic forced municipal recreation departments across Canada to re-evaluate and adapt their provisions, of particular importance for rural low-income families. Through the lens of social liberalism, this study examined the role of a municipal recreation department's response to community crisis and the implications of its provisions on rural low-income mothers and their families’ capacity to facilitate leisure during the pandemic. Through 29 interviews with low-income mothers and a focus group with the recreation department, we illuminate how provisions were designed and delivered to address income inequality, geographic isolation, social exclusion and childcare. Considering these findings, we discuss the department's approach to redesigning and delivering provisions and the implications to supporting low-income families’ access to recreation.

QUALITY OF SERVICE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT'S LABORATORY

Departmental laboratories at tertiary institutions act as academic supports that assist students in the learning process to improve their competence. The research objectives were to determine the level of satisfaction of laboratory users and to determine the need for laboratory development for the Department of Physical Education, Health and Recreation (Penjaskesrek), Teaching and Education Faculty (FKIP), Universitas Islam Riau (UIR). This study uses a quantitative approach to the type of survey method. The subjects of this study were all laboratory users using the total sampling technique. The sample of this research is 85 students. The data collection instrument used a questionnaire and the data analysis technique used in this study was quantitative descriptive. The results of the research on the level of user satisfaction with the Penjaskesrek majors laboratory in 2023 are included in the good category with an average acquisition of 3.41 and the results of the needs analysis show 68% of 85 respondents who considered that human resources (HR), services and availability of facilities and infrastructure as well as other programs in the laboratory as a component of the needs for the development of the Penjaskesrek majors laboratory are good or sufficient.

The Development of Volleyball Teaching Media based on Android Applications for Students of Physical Education, Health and Recreation Department in State University of Medan

The purpose of this study is to develop teaching media, assist and facilitate the learning process of volleyball refereeing material by implementing this android-based volleyball refereeing teaching media, for students majoring in Physical Education, Health, And Recreation Department (PJKR), State University of Medan (Unimed). In this study using the R & D Model according to (Borg and Gall). This research method is development, data collection techniques with research instrument questionnaire sheets, data analysis techniques with percentages. The population of the study were students majoring in PJKR Unimed Batch 2022. The product was designed and then validated by 4 experts. Material experts, media experts, linguists and learning experts. Initial field trials totaled 10 students, main field trials numbered 70 students for small trials and large trials. This teaching media has been previously validated by 1 material expert 1 volleyball expert who has a background in sports education. The validation results of the expert questionnaire assessment are declared valid and can be used with the total percentage is 85% and 72% material expert, the percentage is 72.5%, 70% and 80% media expert, the percentage is 72% and 72% linguist and the percentage is 86.67% and 76.36% learning expert. The results of the student subject questionnaire assessment sheets with percentages of 93.33% and 95.55% (very valid or very feasible) by stating the level of understanding, use, clarity, attractiveness, usability, design are good so that the category is declared feasible or valid. Through the research stage and validation assessment by experts, the product is suitable and suitable for use by students, so it can be concluded that the Android-based volleyball refereeing teaching media for students majoring in PJKR Unimed is valid or appropriate and can be used for the learning process of volleyball refereeing material.

Digital capability, digital learning, and sustainable behaviour among university students in Taiwan: A comparison design of integrated mediation-moderation models

Digital learning has been amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic in the case of university students in Taiwan. This study utilized two separate cases to investigate the impact of digital capability on sustainable behaviors among students with the use of structural equation modeling (SEM). Results of case study 1 show that the impact of digital capability on sustainable behavior of students from the department of tourism and hospitality is enhanced when mediated by employability skills, innovative capabilities, and big data application. Results of case study 2 revealed that the effect of data literacy on sustainable intention of students from the department of leisure and recreation is strengthened when mediated by information sharing, marketing strategy, involvement, and cognitive benefits. Additionally, sustainable attitude was found to strengthen the relationship between employability skills and sustainable behavior. The theoretical and educational implications are discussed in the final section.