LESSON 2

Values and Benefits

of Recreation and
Leisure
Learning Objectives
After discussing this module, students will be able to;

• Appreciate the different types of benefits associated

with parks, recreation and leisure.
• Apply the role of that recreation and leisure play in all
facets of life for all people when managing
Leisure activities in parks
improve moods, reduce stress
and enhance a sense of wellness.
In an increasingly complex world,
more and more people are
placing a high value on achieving
the feelings of relaxation and
peacefulness that contact with
nature, recreation and exposure
to natural open spaces bring.
Why you
travel?
 Individual Benefits
• Access to parks and recreation facilities
leads to healthy lifestyles for people of all
ages.
• Games children play, whether it's in a
sports league or summer camp,
encourage the development of
socialization skills and improves
coordination and self-esteem.
• Play involves teamwork, learning to be a
leader and sharing with fellow
teammates.
Community Benefits
• Families that play together, stay together.
• Parks and recreation programs are a means
to provide families opportunities to spend
important quality time together to build strong
family bonds.
• Parks are a tangible reflection of the quality
of life in a community.
• They provide identity for citizens and are a
source of community pride.
• Parks and recreation services are often cited
in surveys as one of the most important
factors in determining the livability of a
community.
 Environmental
Benefits
• Parks, open spaces and
trails play a key role in
preserving water and air
quality, reducing congestion
and protecting wildlife.
• Through the provision of
parks, open spaces and
protected natural
environment, recreation
contributes to the
environmental health of our
community.
 Economic Benefits
• Parks enhance property values,
contribute to healthy and productive
workforces and help attract and
retain businesses.
• Parks and recreation facilities make
communities desirable places to live,
work, play and visit.
• Recreation programs and facilities
generate revenue directly from fees
and charges, but more importantly,
provide significant indirect revenues
to local and regional economies from
visitors.