Recreation Professionals Research Articles

A collective agenda: A qualitative study on Exercise is Medicine® On Campus gold-level institutions

ObjectiveThe Exercise is Medicine® On Campus (EIM-OC) international campaign leverages university resources (e.g., health centers, recreation, and kinesiology departments) to encourage students, faculty, and staff to integrate physical activity into campus culture. This involves evaluating student physical activity levels during health visits and establishing referral systems for exercise prescriptions. EIM-OC allows universities to earn tiered recognition (Gold, Silver, or Bronze) based on their on-campus physical activity promotion and integration. For Gold recognition, schools must incorporate routine physical activity assessments into their health system, ultimately connecting healthcare providers with health/fitness professionals (HFPs, e.g., campus recreation professionals, kinesiology professors). This research worked to uncover pivotal factors driving EIM-OC on-campus collaborations through HFPs’ perspectives. MethodsHFPs (n = 11) working full-time at a Gold-level institution (n = 10 in United States) participated. Semi-structured, Zoom-recorded interviews with a generic qualitative research design were completed between June and September 2022. ResultsMajor thematic findings included the importance of tangible support (e.g., personnel), encounters with both trust and tension cross-campus, positive student development opportunities, and variations in outcome reporting and program evaluation. Faculty and staff emphasized the need for methods to obtain and sustain program funding. Participants also expressed the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to increase the collective impact of EIM-OC on student health and overall collegiate success. ConclusionHFPs expanded on their EIM-OC experiences and program sustainment or growth requirements. With increased interdisciplinary collaboration, rigor in outcome reporting, and tangible resources, the collective impact of EIM-OC on student health outcomes and overall collegiate success could be greatly perpetuated.

“I Am Not Diversity Training”: Exploring the Experiences of Diverse Parks and Recreation Professionals Through Socio-Ecological Systems Theory

As a public leisure service, parks and recreation is philosophically oriented and legally obligated to be accessible. However, a misalignment between who works for agencies and the communities they serve can perpetuate existing power dynamics where decision-makers reflect the mainstream population. In some cases, this dynamic may slow the rate at which agencies become more inclusive and equitable. This study used a socio-ecological framework to qualitatively investigate the experiences of diverse parks and recreation professionals (N = 20) with the aim of identifying supports and challenges they have experienced. The findings were largely consistent with workforce diversity literature but also offered unique considerations. For instance, as a public service, diverse employees manage biases from coworkers but also from the community members they serve. Additionally, the recreation workforce is often recruited from former participants, emphasizing the importance of promoting leadership that can advance policies and practices focused on equity and inclusion.

Being “outdoors” in a new country: associations between immigrant characteristics, outdoor recreation activities, and settlement satisfaction in Canada

ABSTRACT Many immigrants in Canada experience rapid mental health deterioration as they integrate into their host country. Participation in outdoor recreation, and natural environments at large, have been suggested as a health-promoting activity that facilitates immigrants’ adaptation, fostering mental health and wellbeing. We used cross-sectional data from the Canadian General Social Survey 2016 (n = 15,876) to explore the associations between immigrant characteristics (i.e. status, length of settlement, and migration programme), participation in outdoor recreation activities, and settlement satisfaction (operationalised as satisfaction with life in Canada and with the local environment). Our findings suggest that immigrants engage in significantly fewer outdoor activities, and settlement satisfaction varies according to the length of settlement and immigration programmes (i.e. refugees, family reunification and economic immigrants). Participation in outdoor recreation activities was associated with significantly higher levels of settlement satisfaction. Participation in a broader range of outdoor activities moderated the association between immigrant characteristics and satisfaction with the local environment. Our findings have implications for recreation professionals and settlement agencies.

A Narrative Inquiry into Professional Quality of Life among Therapeutic Recreation Professionals Working in Long-Term Care Homes

This paper describes the findings from a study that explored Professional Quality of Life (ProQoL) among TR practitioners working in long term-care homes in Ontario, Canada. ProQoL incorporates positive (e.g., compassion satisfaction) and negative (e.g., compassion fatigue and burnout) aspects of working in healthcare (Stamm, 2010). Limited research exists exploring ProQoL from the perspective of TR practitioners working in LTC homes. To address this gap, four TR practitioners were interviewed to explore past and present experiences that contribute to ProQoL and write personal narratives that embody moments of compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue. Narrative thematic analysis revealed three threads of ProQoL among practitioners: fueling the soul through connection and purpose, draining the TR spirit through workplace conflict and role ambiguity, and developing professional valour. Findings suggest that although practitioners derive great fulfillment from their careers, workplace culture and relational conflict are chronic challenges that erode the ProQoL of professionals. Recommendations for future research and practice are offered.

Today's Older Adults: Strategies of Facilitating Sport Participation

As the U.S. population ages, park and recreation (P&R) professionals face increasing demand to provide age-appropriate and health-promoting programming for older adults. Recent qualitative research suggests older adults are interested in participating in sport programs tailored to their age group. Using socioecological theory as the guiding framework, and leisure constraint theory specifically, the current study explored participation and interest in recreational sport among older adults across the U.S. and their perceptions of how local P&R agencies currently meet, or fail to meet, their needs. Data, collected in 2019 via a nationwide online survey completed by 1,203 adults aged 50 and over, provided insights into the current population of older adults who are diverse in terms of health status, amount of discretionary time, and interest/experience with sport. Although most participants suggested they do not regularly participate in recreational sport, approximately half indicated they would be interested to try a new sport if opportunities were available, and they are motivated by health benefits, social opportunities, and enjoyment of recreational sport. Sports with the most interest were golf, pickleball, and softball. Additionally, participants expressed interest in bowling, hiking, tennis, volleyball, and swimming. Unfortunately, less than 20% of participants indicated they were satisfied or highly satisfied with the sport opportunities for older adults available through their local P&R department. Related to constraints, participants reported that constraints hindering their participation in recreational sport include physical or health-related factors (e.g., not being in good enough shape, not having the sport-related skills), lack of companions with whom to participate, lack of awareness of opportunities, lack of access to fields/facilities, and cost. The findings also relate to leisure facilitators within the constraint negotiation model, and suggests P&R agencies can facilitate sport participation among older adults by promoting the health, social, and fun aspects of participation; offering opportunities targeted at beginners with no skill/experience required; ensuring programs are age-specific and modified to reduce risk of injury; facilitating introductions among players or providing opportunities for individuals to join teams; ensuring that low-cost options exist, and increasing awareness among older adults through channels effective for this age group (e.g., personal invitation, Facebook). The findings highlight the importance of making older adults a priority when planning sport opportunities and understanding their sport-related interests and unique needs.

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.

Queering the Outdoors: Experiences of 2LGBTQIA+ Outdoor Recreation Professionals

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Plus non-conforming identities (LGBTQ+) individuals who have pursued a professional career in the outdoor recreation industry. Six stories of queer identity in the outdoors were gifted to this study, with the understanding that not all LGBTQ+ individuals experience the outdoors in the same way. Each participant was encouraged to guide the study through individual expression in alignment with an emancipatory critical narrative research design. This study considers participant experiences across the span of their career, where job advancement and the role of colleagues both arose as prominent themes that shed light on the pervasiveness of hegemonic culture in the outdoor recreation profession. Outdoor recreation organizations may learn from these stories to disentangle harmful social norms from curriculum and practices by creating structural pathways for professionals with non-dominant identities, and authentically consider how an organization’s history informs its culture. The findings have important implications for creating inclusive culture in the outdoor recreation profession.

A form of leisure to treat busyness and enframing

ABSTRACT This paper forwards a promising philosophically-based agent for treating busyness/enframing, a characteristic of contemporary society marked by predominately seeing entities in terms of their usefulness, efficiency, and productivity. The proposed agent combines Josef Pieper’s conceptualisation of intellectus-based leisure with Martin Heidegger’s notion of aletheia. The subsequent combination enables people to unveil deeper, fuller comprehensions of phenomena, especially when they perform contemplative seeing. While it is too early for issuing claims regarding leisure’s effectiveness, it is not premature to identify recreation professionals, expressly those who enrich their existing expertise with knowledge of aletheia and the ability to teach contemplative seeing, as qualified for addressing busyness/enframing.

Imagining the End of Racism through Summer Camps

In response to worldwide protests for racial justice in 2020 and 2021, Dustin et al. (2021) called on recreation professionals to eradicate racial oppression. The focus of the present commentary is on the tools through which such an eradication might be carried out within summer camps. In particular, this essay builds on the work of Mariame Kaba (2020) and the generations of activists of color before her (e.g., Kelley, 2002) to assert that imagination is essential to any effort to end racism in summer camps. Three areas to which our imagination might be applied are presented: the benefits of summer camp, the shift from I to we, and the courage to experiment and fail.

Content and Area Income Disparities in Recreation Center Website Promotion of Physical Activity

Physical activity (PA) is associated with numerous health benefits; however, both children and adults in the U.S. fall short of national PA recommendations. Diverse agencies have identified the importance of recreation professionals playing an ac-tive role in providing and promoting PA, including via recreation centers. Few studies have examined the contributions public recreation centers make in pro-viding residents with opportunities for PA, and those that exist offer mixed results concerning the influence of neighborhood family income levels.Recreation center websites are a popular, cost-efficient, and flexible me-dium for providing information about PA and center programs. We completed a line-by-line analysis of the content of the websites of all public recreation centers (N = 58) in the city of San Diego, California. We extracted the days and hours the centers operated as well as PA facil-ity types and programs they provided. Program details were identified, includ-ing content, frequency/duration for classes, participants targeted, and enrollment costs. Additionally, we generated information about local neighborhoods, includ-ing family median income levels. Diverse statistical analyses were conducted, overall, and by a median split for neighborhood income status. On average, centers had 4.5 PA facilities and were open 59 hours/week, with no differences by neighborhood income. Meanwhile, centers in higher-income areas provided significantly more programs (5.3 vs 2.3). Overall, 33 distinct facility types were identified, but only gymnasia and outdoor basketball courts were listed by over 50% of centers. Fifty distinct programs were identified, with dance, teen center, basketball, and volleyball mentioned most frequently.

Boredom in the workplace and its relationship to life satisfaction among recreation and leisure professionals

This study examined the relationship between job boredom and life satisfaction among recreation and leisure professionals. Data was collected from 346 members of Florida Recreation and Parks Association. A set of regression analyses were used to find out if job boredom improved the prediction of life satisfaction and differences in demographic variables among recreation and leisure professionals. The findings suggest that job boredom is a negative predictor of life satisfaction. Recreational professionals who experience boredom at work were less likely to be satisfied in their lives. Age and years in the recreation profession were significantly related to job boredom of recreation and leisure professionals. Older and more experienced professionals were less likely to get bored at the workplace than younger and less experienced ones. Suggestions were made based on the results of the study. It is implied that administrators may develop appropriate decisions to reduce job boredom levels, increase job satisfaction, and improve individuals’ life satisfaction by examining which employees feel boredom in the workplace.

If You Build it Will They Come? The Mediating Roles of Human Resource and Program Capacities

The amenity arms race among post-secondary institutions is driving the new development or expansion of campus recreation facilities. However, investing in new and larger campus recreation facilities may not necessarily translate into usage and ultimately provide the associated benefits to students. This study explored whether human resource capacity and program capacity are mechanisms that help explain the conditions under which facility capacity translates into facility usage. Secondary data were obtained from NIRSA's research and assessment initiative from post-secondary institutions in the United States ( n = 103) that contained measures of relevance to this study. Regression analyses with bootstrapping were conducted to examine the hypothesized relationships including mediation. Results identified that an indirect only mediation model (full mediation) was present, such that greater facility capacity translates into increased facility usage through human resource capacity and program capacity. Therefore, recreation professionals and programs are indicated as pivotal to making the most of facility capacity.

Experiential learning-teaching model in recreation studies: reflections on implementation

The recreation profession is a fast-growing, diverse, career field, creating unique challenges for academic institutions in preparing students. Not all the skills and competencies (graduate attributes) needed by entry-level recreation professionals can be achieved through academic curricula in classroom settings. Experiential learning pedagogy may address these challenges for recreation education. The Twin-Cycle Experiential Learning model (TCELM) can incorporate field- and classroom-based experiential learning into degree programmes. The purpose of this article is to investigate the experience of students in a recreation module that implemented an adapted TCELM. A holistic single-case is reported with qualitative data including student reflections, lecturer reflections and focus group interviews, subject to inductive coding. The merit of both cycles of the TCELM in student learning was examined. Group work and time management were two factors identified that may challenge the implementation of experiential learning. However, both these factors contribute to the development of essential skills for the workplace. It was concluded that the adapted TCELM is practically implementable within a recreation module at a higher education institution. However, attention should be given to student expectations, active learning opportunities and the time spent on experiential learning activities.

Distinguishing Participants and Non-Participants in Campus Recreation: The Roles of Knowledge and Motivations

The purpose of this study was to explore how students’ knowledge of campus recreation opportunities and their general physical activity (PA) motivations were associated with participation or non-participation in intramural sports, drop-in sports, and the fitness center. Data were collected using a questionnaire from undergraduate students (N = 348) at a large university in Ontario, Canada. Data were analyzed using logistic regression. Knowledge of opportunities was positively associated with participation in all three campus recreation activities. A desire to enhance the university experience was positively associated with intramurals and drop-in sports. Additionally, a desire to be fit through PA was negatively associated with drop-in sports. In addition to increasing students’ knowledge of opportunities, recreation professionals are encouraged to identify and promote the unique aspects of the campus recreation experience, such as its ability to enhance the university experience, in order to stimulate participation through differentiation from off-campus recreation experiences.

Contemporary issues, opportunities, and resources for the U.S. outdoor recreation profession

The purpose of this study was to understand the contemporary issues, opportunities, and resource needs of U.S. outdoor recreation professionals. In Spring 2021, we conducted focus groups with members of the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals and Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education. Iterative qualitative analysis of professionals' perspectives using both inductive and matrix coding yielded key themes including: 1) justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI), 2) social-ecological health, 3) societal demand, 4) industry direction, and 5) professional identity. While certain themes (i.e., JEDI) existed in previous trends studies, others illustrate the relative novelty of professionals’ experiences of the outdoor recreation boom both pre- and during the COVID-19 pandemic. In sum, we provide an inventory of current issues, opportunities, and resource needs for outdoor recreation professionals, which can inform future advocacy and planning by professional organizations. The overall development in the field of outdoor recreation will be influenced by the aspects: • Key issues will be 1) justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI), 2) social-ecological health, 3) societal demand, 4) industry direction, and 5) professional identity. • JEDI was the most salient theme across organizational membership affiliation, indicating the importance of ongoing social justice efforts led by the outdoor recreation industry. • Participants' focus on the negative ecological health impacts and positive human health benefits stemming from outdoor recreation solidly situates the industry within One Health and other ongoing public health efforts. • In some cases, different needs exist across the supply and demand segments of the outdoor recreation profession, particularly related to professional identity and livable wages. • Workforce development opportunities include, but are not limited to, investment and training in community and stakeholder engagement through SCORP processes, planning for social media's influence of recreation resources, and additional human resources to adapt to surging demand.

Developing an Intentionally Designed Physical Activity Model of Programming for Children’s Structured Recreation in Canada

Sport and education organizations have established models to ensure that coaches and teachers understand the physical, social, emotional and mental development of children. Such pathways of intentionally designed models fail to exist in the recreation sector where many physical activity (PA) programs are mainly developed based on convenience and instructor availability rather than on established credentials and current pedagogy practices. Addressing this gap, this paper explores the creation of an intentionally designed model of programming for children’s structured recreation, which is defined as sport or PA-based programs that are planned and led by an instructor. This proposed model is contextualized within the province of Alberta, but may be applicable across the nation. The authors further define “intentionally designed” as the development of purposeful programming with specific objectives that align with outside sources. One such source comes from the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association, who has created a Canadian Recreation Framework, an initiative to ultimately develop the well-being of all Canadians. The proposed, structured recreation model also incorporates several guiding principles including physical literacy and sport philosophy. Physical Literacy (PL) focuses on the lived body as the embodied dimension of our human experience, and how it can be enriched through various experiences that enable us to reach our full potential (Whitehead, 2007). It is about viewing the body holistically rather than separate from the entire being. By planning diverse PA in four environments, including land, water, air, and ice, the model also aligns with the sports sector and its philosophy of developing both fundamental movement skills and fundamental sport skills. Moreover, with allocated playing time, intentionally designed structured lesson plans, and one consistent leader in each activity, the model aims to increase the participants’ motor proficiency and levels of PA while building their confidence and competence across distinct exercises. The execution of the proposed recreation model involves a four-month program where participants rotate to a different PA environment each month and attend two classes per week, cumulating in 32 total classes. Management implications are discussed to determine how recreational professionals can achieve the intended outcomes of the model. Finally, further research is necessary to determine if this model can increase participants’ motor proficiency and positively influence physical activity behaviors in the recreation sector.

Effectiveness of a Point-of-Decision Prompt to Encourage Physical Distancing on Greenways and Rail-Trails During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Adherence to public health messaging recommending physical distancing in public outdoor spaces during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic and strategies to promote physical distancing are currently unknown. This study examined the effectiveness of a point-of-decision prompt to increase physical distancing (maintaining at least 6 ft of distance) on greenways and rail-trails using systematic observation with passive infrared cameras. Results indicate that the intervention did not have a significant effect on interacting groups maintaining physical distance. However, groups maintaining physical distance increased from baseline (72%) to post-intervention (79%) and likelihood of maintaining physical distance at baseline and post-intervention was higher when: passing in the opposite direction compared to passing in the same direction; using 12-foot-wide trails compared to 10-foot-wide trails; and only one person was in each group. These results provide important implications for public health and parks and recreation professionals to promote physical distancing on multi-use trails.

Psychometric properties of Leisure Satisfaction Scale (LSS)-short form: a Rasch rating model calibration approach

BackgroundLeisure satisfaction has been one of primary variables to explain an individual’s choice of leisure and recreational activities’ participation. The Leisure Satisfaction Scale (LSS)-short form has been widely utilized to measure leisure and recreation participants’ satisfaction levels. However, limited research has been studied on the LSS-short form that would provide sufficient evidence to use it to measure individual leisure satisfaction levels. Thus, the purpose of the study was to determine whether the LSS-short form would be appropriate to measure individuals’ leisure satisfaction levels.MethodThe convenience sampling was used in this study from the south-central United States. The LSS-short form questionnaire was administered to 436 individuals after removing 20 surveys due to incomplete questions. The WINSTEPS computer program was utilized to analyze the Rating scale fit; Item fit; Differential Item Functioning (DIF); and Person-Item map by utilizing Rasch rating scale model.ResultsThe results indicated that the five-point Likert-type LSS-short form was appropriate to utilize. Two of 24 LSS-short form items had overfit or misfit and were eliminated. DIF indicated that all remained 22 items were suitable to measure leisure satisfaction levels. Overall, 22 item were finally selected for the reconstructed version of the LSS-short form. In addition, Person-Item map showed that ability and item difficulty were fit matched.ConclusionsAs the importance of leisure has been increased, the newly reconstructed LSS-short form would be recommended to evaluate individual leisure satisfaction levels in future studies. Furthermore, leisure and recreation professionals can provide and develop effective leisure activities or programs by measuring individual’s leisure satisfaction level with the new version of LSS-short form.

Social Context of Performance Appraisals in Public Parks and Recreation: A Statewide Study

Well-designed performance appraisals provide a formal evaluation system to measure employees’ contributions to the agency while motivating staff and enhancing productivity levels. Despite their prominence and popularity, performance appraisal systems are often a contentious activity within public park and recreation agencies. Appraisal literature has indicated that many of these frustrations stem from issues such as (1) criteria that is not job related, (2) unclear or confusing rating levels, and/or (3) poorly designed processes and inconsistent implementation techniques. Recent research has also suggested many of these issues might be linked to the social dimensions surrounding the appraisal system. The purpose of this study was to build upon the previous appraisal research in public parks and recreation by exploring the role of two process proximal social context factors (employee participation and supervisor trust) on the utility of the appraisal system. More specifically, the cumulative effects of employee participation at various stages (job analysis, instrument development, appraisal interview, and training related to the appraisal system) and employees’ perceptions of their supervisor on employees’ reactions to their agency’s appraisal system were examined. Analyses indicated supervisor trust and employee participation significantly contributed to public park and recreation professionals’ satisfaction with their appraisal system, satisfaction with their appraisal interview, and their procedural and distributive justice perceptions with their appraisal system. Study findings and implications for management are discussed.

Using Partnerships to Create a Medical Specialty Camp for Youth with Diabetes

Complications associated with a complex chronic illness, specifically, type 1 diabetes, negatively impact youth as they struggle to maintain healthy lifestyles. Type 1 diabetes is the second most common chronic illness affecting youth as well as one of the most psychologically and behaviorally demanding illnesses. Fortunately, organized camps have been shown to positively influence long-term outcomes for youth. Family Diabetes Camp, the only family medical program in the state where this study occurred, was created in collaboration with a local university, a diabetes center at a hospital, and a chapter of the Lions Club. This collaborative camp program aimed to test the effect of active participation in a Family Diabetes Camp upon youth outcomes for campers with type 1 diabetes. Specifically, the purpose was to evaluate the impact of a collaborative medical camp on campers’ resilience and youth developmental outcomes (e.g., independence). Family Diabetes Camp was designed using Outcome-Focused Programming (OFP) to promote positive youth development. The Family Diabetes Camp included 50 campers for the pre-test and post-test (n= 19 males and n= 31 females). While there were no statistically significant differences from pretest (M=4.97, SD= .53) to post-test scores (M=5.01, SD= .46), with t(50) = -.56, p= .57) researchers found a slight increase in resilience from pre to post-test. Using a retrospective measure, campers showed gains in the seven critical youth development outcomes identified by the American Camp Association. Finally, campers learned new knowledge about site injection, carbohydrate counting, and the use of exercise to help manage their diabetes. The impact associated with adapting activities and an environment to encourage, analyze, and challenge resilient behaviors is essential in encouraging independence, shared experiences, and effective disease management for youth living with type 1 diabetes. The camp, solely staffed by volunteers, included physicians, diabetes educators, certified therapeutic recreation specialists, dietitians, nurses, pump specialists, recreation professionals and students, and Lions Club Members. The camp program is unique not only in how it fills a void for youth with type 1 diabetes but how three large organizations work in concert to meet the needs of entire families. These types of data can be instrumental in establishing more camps and other out of school time programming that positively impacts quality of life, health care cost, and mortality among youth with type 1 diabetes.