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Families and
CommunitiesRecreation and Parks build Strong Families and Healthy Communities
5.1 Families that play together STAY TOGETHER
5.2 Recreation provides safe, developmental opportunities for the LATCH-KEY CHILD
5.3 Recreation, sports and arts/culture PRODUCE LEADERS
5.4 Recreation, sports and arts/culture BUILD SOCIAL SKILLS AND STIMULATES PARTICIPATION
5.5 Recreation and parks are often the catalysts that build STRONG SELF-SUFFICIENT COMMUNITIES
5.6 Culture helps people UNDERSTAND THEIR NEIGHBOURS, THEIR HISTORY AND THEIR ENVIRONMENT
5.7 Recreation, parks, sports and arts/culture build PRIDE IN A COMMUNITY
Leisure is the single most important force developing cohesive, healthy relationships between husbands and wives and between parents and their children. (Couchman, 1988)
Several authors endorse the notion that the family as a group should participate in physical activity together. This promotes the role of adults as role models for a healthy lifestyle. (Pate et al, 1990; Strong, 1990)
Reviews of research literature consistently conclude that husbands and wives who share leisure time together-in joint activities tend to be much more satisfied with their marriages than those who do not. (Orthner & Mancini, 1990 & 1991; Holman & Epperson, 1984)
A review of literature in the paper Recreation: A Major Vehicle for the Promotion of Health (Provinces of Alberta, Ontario, PEI, 1985) found support for family togetherness through recreation. Satisfaction gained from participation as a family in outdoor and social recreation opportunities leads to family cohesiveness. As well, family participation in recreation that requires high interaction, results in mutual satisfaction for spouses.
In a cross-cultural study of marriages in Australia, England, and the United States; in all three samples there was a strong, positive, and significant relationship between joint participation in leisure activities, marital well-being and happiness. (Palisi, 1984)
Another consistent finding in the literature is the negative impact on marital satisfaction of high concentrations of independent, individual activities. All studies reviewed by Orthner and Mancini (1991) found that spending time alone was associated with lower levels of marital satisfaction.
Hill (1988) used a 1975-1981 ‘Time Use Longitudinal Panel’ to explore linkages between spouses' shared time and marital stability. She found a significant association, between shared leisure experiences with the spouse at the beginning of the study and marital stability over the next five years. The data shows that family bonds are improved by the sharing of leisure time.
A close association with family members has a profound bearing on an older person's daily living and his/her overall recreation participation patterns. Older adults in small towns rely upon family members for much of their recreation. (Payne et al., 1990)
Current research indicates that co-participation in leisure activities is positively related to family satisfaction, family interaction, and family stability. (Orthner et al., 1990)
Researchers report that they found repeatedly that "the fondest memories people have of their past tend to involve family outings and/or vacations. "When the entire family is together, doing the same thing especially when it is something novel and demanding - there develops an atmosphere of common purpose and good feeling that is usually absent from everyday life..." (Csikszentmihalyi et al., 1991)
Family togetherness ranked high when participants in six outdoor activities were asked about preferred psychological outcomes from the experience. Of 24 possible outcomes: campers ranked family togetherness 7th, picnickers 4th, swimmers 8th, boaters 8th, sailors 9th, and fishing participants ranked family togetherness 9th. (Driver & Cooksey, 1980)
Family togetherness also ranked high in a study of participants in general outdoor. recreation activities. In this study 16 Recreation Experience Preference Domains (REP) were used. Users of 3 non-wilderness areas ranked family kinship 2nd or 3rd most important on the list of 16; users of 4 undesignated wilderness areas ranked family kinship 4th, 7th, 8th, and 9th on the list of 16; and users of 8 designated wilderness ranked family kinship between 5th and 9th on the list of 16. (Driver et al., 1987)
Symbolic Experiential Therapies in a wilderness setting can foster interactive and personal growth simultaneously. Research data was gathered on 10 couples participating in a wilderness enrichment course; all couples showed significant increases in self-esteem and overall family wellness which encompassed improved health (relaxation, cessation or moderation of smoking and/or drinking), better feelings, community participation, and fitness (weight control and exercise) at the follow-up six weeks later (Mason, 1987). The fundamental premises of wilderness family therapy which result in improved family relationships are:
Wilderness therapy co backpacking, dog sledding and winter camping, canoeing, sailing, crater hiking, cross-country skiing, and biking. (Mason, 1987)
A case study of yacht club membership found that the relationships traditionally associated with the nuclear family are realized in club membership. In the absence of traditional families, due to such things as geographic distance, new members related to their fellow members in ways similar to family style of relating. (Aversa, 1991)
A study conducted by Newman & Ward (1993) confirmed that older adults with dementia demonstrated consistent positive behaviours in the presence of children during structured music therapy sessions.
In 1994, 32% of children aged 0 to 11 years of age were in child care for an average of about 21 hours per week while their parents were working or studying. The largest number (34%) were cared for in the home of a non-relative, usually a sitter; 16% by a child, care centre; 14% were looked after in their own home by a non-relative/sitter; and just under 3% (usually older children) were left on their own or in the care of a sibling. (Statistics Canada, Canadian Social Trends, Spring, 1997)
A study of 4,932 Los Angeles middle-class eight-graders attending public schools indicates that the children at highest risk of substance use were the 28.6% who spent the most unsupervised time after school (11 hours or more per week). Those students were twice as likely to use alcohol, cigarettes, or marijuana compared with students who had constant adult supervision after school. (Science News, 1989)
Recent studies show greater degrees of truancy, dropping out of school, drug abuse, and childhood depression among children who regularly come home to an empty house. A joint US and Canadian school age program development task force established a commitment to family life - support of people as they try to make their own unique family the best possible social structure for themselves.
The same document indicates that one way the YMCAs School Age Child Care is assisting families is by supporting their ability to work and play together through provision of programs that are geared to physical, mental, social, and spiritual development. (Task Force of the Urban Group and Metropolitan Cities Consortium of YMCA's, 1982)
The Metro Toronto Housing Authority (1990) initiated the Toronto's Children's Breakfast Club in 1984 to provide the children of working parents with early morning supervision and a nutritious meal before school. Over thirty MTHA communities have been serving about 4500 children with a hot breakfast on a regular basis. Significant improvements in scholastic performance and behavioral problems among young children have been made.
Also, a recreation program scheduled conveniently after school and as close to the school as possible can provide exceptional care for these latch key children as well as deliver all of the health, human development, and reduction of anti-social behaviour benefits.
Many studies by Driver & others (1991) using the Recreation Experience Preference Domains have confirmed that the desire to 'teach or lead others' is a significant motivator and a benefit of participation in outdoor recreation activities.
Many studies by Tinsley and others using the Paragraphs About Leisure (PAL) technique for assessing psychological benefits of participation in recreation activities have confirmed that the benefit of 'service' is one of the top eight benefits sought and experienced. (Tinsley, 1984; Tinsley, et al., 1985, Driver et al., 1991)
Children with greater physical competence appear to social success and status, greater leadership, greater and higher social competence. Those with better developed motor skills tend to be more active, popular, calm, resourceful, attentive, and cooperative. (CFLRI, 1995)
In a study of 525 College students, 95% of the respondents agree that sports develops self-discipline, 87% agreed that athletes enjoy better hat sport builds character and citizenship, and leadership qualities. (Nixon, 1979)
Studies indicate that coaches from a variety of sports are sociable, highly organized, dominant, conscientious, emotionally stable and aggression, do not mature, open and trusting, can freely express aggression, do not depend on others, and are intelligent. (Hendry, 1988)
Outdoor Leadership School reported that scores increased significantly from to a post-course mean of +11.10. (McDannold, 1985)
A recent study by Barnett, Smoll and Smith (1992) lends strong support effectiveness of this approach (mastery approach - improvement and progress towards personal goals) with young children in a competitive recreation setting. In this study, those children whose Little League Baseball instructors adopted a mastery-oriented focus during the season had a much Lower dropout rate (5%) as compared to those a significant increase in their feelings of self-worth over the course of the season. (Robinson, 1993)
Ninety-five percent of Fortune 500 executives participated in school athletics; only 47% were National Honor Society members. (Manitoba Sport Federation, undated; Fortune Magazine, 1987)
Sports and other forms of vigorous physical activity provide educational experience which cannot be duplicated in the classroom. They are an uncompromising laboratory in which we must think and act quickly and efficiently under pressure and they force us to meet our own inadequacies face to face - and to do something abut them - as nothing else does. In any athletic activity, we are thrown upon our own resources to succeed in the face of a strong and immediate challenge. Sports resemble life in capsule form and the participant quickly learns that his performance depends upon the development of strength, stamina, self-discipline and a sure and steady judgement. (Manitoba Sports Federation, undated, quote by Supreme Court Justice Bryon White)
The First World Forum on Physical Activity and Sport held in Quebec City summarized the values and benefits of physical activity and sports:
In the Alberta Recreation Survey (1996); 37.2% were volunteers as follows: 11.1% Community League; 11.6% for Sport Groups; 7.7% for Special Events in sports and recreation; 6.5% for youth groups; 5.5% for Service Clubs; 4.3% for cultural groups; 3.5% for conservation and parks; 2.2% for Recreation/Parks Board. An Alberta based study (A Look at Leisure, No. 27, p.9) stated the major reasons for volunteering in order of importance are: personal satisfaction and enrichment; helping others; believing in organization's goals and values; use skills and experience, learn new skills; doing interesting work; feeling useful; having fun; improving neighbourhood or community.
In a study looking at the social impact of community festivals, results showed there are major social benefits from community festivals, they;
In 1995, Edmontonians (Alberta) had 12,000 people donate almost 300,000 hours of time to their annual festivals. This strong community involvement is the cornerstone of the success of the festivals which contribute significantly to the quality of life, and provide valuable leadership opportunities for the individuals involved. (Jevne, 1996)
Cornwell (1990) has explored the relationship of a democratic society and the arts - by examining participation in American society and the nourishment it draws from the arts. Their work shows that by strengthening participation in the arts, participatory democracy itself is strengthened.
According to Ewing & Seefeldt (1991), young athletes participate in sport for 10 fundamental reasons: to have fun; to improve skills; to stay in shape; to be good at something; for excitement; to get exercise; to play as part of a team; for the challenge; to learn new skills; and to win.
In a survey of 500 respondents, nearly 90% considered sport to be valuable in teaching self-discipline. Eighty percent felt that sport promoted the development of fair play and 70% of the respondents felt that sport fostered authority and good citizenship. (Spreitzer et al., 1975)
Attitudes to wildlife can be inferred from respondents’ participation in wildlife conservation activities: almost 25% donated money other than membership fees to wildlife organizations; 37% were interested in creating or maintaining wildlife habitat; 35% interested in donating money; and 32% interested in working as a volunteer for a wildlife-related organization. (Natural Resources, Canada, 1993)
Social health, a part of active living, is closely linked to spiritual health in that it builds connections within oneself, and with others; physically active people are more likely to volunteer in community activities. (Edwards, 1990)
The "Robbers' Cave" group experiments, demonstrated that it is relatively easy to create bonds even among strangers in a play setting, just by introducing competition between randomly selected groups. (Sherif & Sherif 1964)
Wilkerson & Dodder (1987) have identified a positive relationship between success of local high school athletic teams and level of social integration (collective conscience) in the community. (Wankel & Berger 1991)
Bruce & Grey Counties (1994) completed a review of children and youth services resulting in feedback from 819 people. Some of the findings and results are:
The beneficial outcome from this study are the 41 recommendations that are directed towards enhancing children and youth's well-being; the strong focus on collaboration and joint planning in the area of social and recreational activities and the shared values and vision between the agencies providing services to children and youth in the Bruce and Grey Counties.
The Ontario Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Recreation (1994) commissioned an Aboriginal survey to look at Aboriginal needs, profile, barriers and funding status. One of the focus areas was recreation and sport. When asked about the benefits of participating in recreation; 95% agreed or strongly agreed with the following benefits:
In summary, "aboriginal respondents unanimously believe that Recreation services should be made a priority."
The amount of time that volunteers work in sports, fitness, and recreation is worth half a BILLION dollars annually. This is the same as 22,500 people working full-time forty hour weeks for a year. (Ministry of Tourism and Recreation, 1992)
Volunteering in Canada contributes more to the economy than mines and forestry, utilities and communications - around $12 billion a year. (Cohen et al., 1993)
An extensive 1996 recreation survey for Alberta reported that within the past 12 months people gave the following hours to their community in an average week:
The amateur sport support system in Alberta in 1992 indicated the number of people who provide support for sport were 83,000 coaches, 64,000 referee/umpires, and 252,000 volunteer helpers. (Sport Canada, 1994)
Twenty five percent (25%) of all adults in Ontario volunteer for a voluntary organization. Twenty (20%) of these (372,000 people) volunteer for sport, fitness, and recreation organizations - coaching, operating clubs, and sitting on municipal recreation committees; these people commit 45 million hours annually ... Based on Statistics Canada's hourly value of volunteers ($12.80), we can estimate their value to be over half a BILLION dollars annually ... This is the same as 22,500 people working full-time forty hour weeks for a year. (Abbey-Livingston et al., 1989)
In a three year study (1990, 1991 and 1992), the National Assembly of Local Arts Agencies studied 33 US cities in detail and found an estimated 10,783 volunteers donating 385,778 hours per year to nonprofit arts organizations. This represents a donation of time valued at more than $4,500,000 per community - assuming that the value of the volunteer hour is $11.86. (Neiman, 1994)
In 1991, five communities were asked to develop and document the advancement of the active living concept and approach over three years; St. John’s Newfoundland; Summerside, PEI; Dieppe, New Brunswick; Gimle, Manitoba; Langley, British Columbia. Health Canada, 5 provincial governments and 5 local Parks/Recreation Departments supported this project. Some examples of the legacies left in the above communities as a result of this Active living project are:
The learnings from the pilot projects point to common elements for success and mutual benefits shared by all involved; Active Living –
The Economic Impact of Sport report stated; Amateur sport in Manitoba presently draws on over 20,000 volunteers who together donate in excess of two million hours of their time. The In Touch Survey on the 1993 Canada Games stated; 83% of respondents agreed that "sports brings communities closer together." (Manitoba Sport Federation, undated)
Urban Parks and Recreation Recovery Program (UPARR) was set up in 1978 to help economically and socially distressed cities rehabilitate critically needed recreation sites due to funding cuts for maintenance which resulted in unsafe parks and facilities. "But after neighborhood groups got involved in planning and rehabilitation of their parks, people started to use the parks again; neighborhood volunteers assisted in the cleanup of the parks, which often led to the reduction of vandalism and the renovation of entire neighborhoods." (Trust for Public Lands, 1994)
Culture Counts is a marketing program of the Saskatchewan Council of Cultural Organizations (1996) which states; Culture helps people understand their environment and their history. Regina's Mosaic recorded over 300,000 pavilion visits, and provided an economic return of $650,000 to the local community.
Arts and culture provide opportunities to express the culture heritage of all peoples, and to appreciate our similarities. Sorensen, (1991) divided her research into six segments: storytelling, customs, food, games, dress, decoration, music and dance. Some of her conclusions are:
Recreation builds strong, self-sufficient communities. The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Recreation in Ontario (1995) commissioned social research at York University to look at the impact of volunteerism and participation of recreation to Ontario's communities' economy. The report showed that Ontario people contributed an average of about 20 hours a month (238 hours per year) doing volunteer activity. Based on this and the finding that 9% (660,000) of the adult population in Ontario (7,350,575 people in 1991) are sport and recreation volunteers, volunteers contribute a total of 157.5 million hours annually. Based on an average hourly wage in Ontario of $14.64; this means that volunteers contributed 2.3 billion dollars worth of their time to sport and recreation. Also, volunteers contribute about $42 on average in out of pocket expenses which annually amounts to $292 million.
The impact that the outstanding performances of Canada's best sport athletes have on each one of us and our communities is phenomenal (Olympics, National, etc.). The athlete's home community and all of Canada share in the success of our sport heros. A recent report by Decima Research found that 94% of all respondents felt that Canadian involvement in international high performance sport is an important aspect of national life and an even more important aspect of community life and community identity. The survey found that the majority of Canadians (90%) agree that sport is just as much an element of Canadian culture as music, films or literature. ... It is said that sport speaks directly to the young. ... sport is an active and positive choice. ... The survey also said that 'community sport is central to the development of community spirit and national pride' (Sport Ontario/Ministry of Tourism and Recreation, 1992)
Citizen involvement in community-based restoration efforts has implications that go well beyond the resources restored, including significant potential for helping to' build stronger communities with increased community identity, empowerment, and participation. Examples include Treekeepers in Chicago, Illinois Nature Conservatory that teaches volunteers how to restore prairies and natural resources. A wide range of public and private groups are working hard at forming partnerships to restore urban ecosystems with all. participants learning a great deal from each other. Urban people and communities receive benefits from participating that go well beyond the restored ecosystems. (Dwyer et al., 1995)
Events (festivals and special events) can have a significant cumulative impact by improving the destination's image and overall attractiveness, which is shown through studies of perception and trip motivation within target market areas. Also, an event's social benefits - its value as a leisure or cultural phenomenon - are legitimate. For example, Ellis (1990) conducted an evaluation of the Halifax, Nova Scotia, Buskers Festival and concluded that it had a great return on investment for the City because of the large entertainment value generated for residents. (Williams, 1994)
Research in Calgary showed that the open space system. in Calgary provides a number of benefits.to users and non-users alike because it is viewed as contributing to the aesthetic appeal of the community resulting in civic identity, pride. (Balmer, 1989)
A study of directors of parks and recreation in Ontario determined that the economic roles of urban parks were not the primary reason for justification. Personal-oriented roles (children's play), aesthetics, and strengthening the city's identity were the strongest justifications. (Marsh et al, 1989)
Sport can be used as a unifying force within communities. Ethnic groups have used sport as a means of coping with urban life, and to also help develop and grow communities. (Lewis, 1976)
An Alberta study showed that the major social benefits of community festivals are establishing community pride; social interaction, togetherness, sharing of ideas, community identity and community wellness. (Delamere et al., 1994)
Culture is a major contributor to Saskatchewan's profile across Canada and abroad. Six of the last 12 Governor General’s medals for Literature were awarded to Saskatchewan writers. (Saskatchewan Council of Cultural Organizations, 1996)
The Town of Stony Plain, Alberta (1991 population - 7,200) commissioned 15 murals on public building exteriors and reports a marked increase in community spirit and pride. Vandalism has also decreased significantly. (Alberta Community Development, Benefits of Arts and Culture)
Eighty-six percent of respondents to a 1993 survey at the Canada Games agreed that "sport unites Canadians and makes them proud of their country." (Manitoba Sport Federation, undated; In Touch Survey, Canada Games, 1993)
Philadelphia, after police helped neighborhood volunteers clean up vacant lots and plant gardens, burglaries and thefts in the precinct dropped 90% - from about 40 crimes each month before the cleanup to an average of only four per month. (NRPA, Benefits are Endless. ... Healing America's cities, 1994)
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