Supporting social sustainability in resource‐based communities through leisure and recreation

Abstract

Community development can be conceptualized as a balance that exists amongst environmental, economic, and social systems; this achievement, however, is difficult for communities undergoing rapid urban development. In particular, resource‐based communities (RBCs) that develop as a result of investment into the extraction of a natural resource such as oil and gas have been found to experience uneven economic development, environmental degradation, and social instability. A contributing factor to social instability in RBCs is the reliance on a large transient workforce drawn to the area in search of employment opportunities and the inability to provide this burgeoning population with sufficient urban infrastructure and services. Building on previous research that theorized the key to increasing the sustainability of RBCs is to retain a permanent population, this research explores the contribution that opportunities for leisure and recreation makes to resident retention. Using Fort McMurray, Alberta as a case study, results indicate that among a group of people who lack established social ties, the main source of social interaction is participation in leisure and recreation activities. However, traditional activities associated with leisure and recreation did not take into account the unique challenges found in RBCs indicating an adaptable approach to provision is necessary.

An Analytical Perspective of Residents’ View on the Provision of Recreational Facilities Using Warp-PLS

“…The findings identify inappropriate RF, lack and insufficient for all age groups, mostly the children and disabled. This study is similar to the findings of Lamanes & Deacon (2019), that in terms of lack of RF among a group of people indicated non-establishment of social ties, while the basis of social relations is the availability of the RF and Involvement in its activities. Though the study did not capture the rate of inappropriateness, perhaps due to the complete absence of RF, the findings Lyu & Lee (2016) gives an insight considering persons with disabilities, and they found out that among the several elements of leisure constraints to the participation of inappropriate recreation facilities is one of the major factors.…”

Older Adults’ Mental Health Through Leisure Activities During COVID-19: A Scoping Review

“…Known mental health benefits to older adults arising from engagement in leisure and recreation activities are improvements in mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and negative mood state, positively affecting self-esteem, cognitive function, and quality of life (Goodman et al, 2017; Jeong & Park, 2020) . Older adults would likely select leisure and recreation activities for enjoyment, pleasure, and amusement (Lamanes & Deacon, 2019), and those which they find empowering (Kamioka et al, 2013; Lamanes & Deacon, 2019) and adding to their sense of belongingness (Talmage et al, 2020).…”

Sustainable Community Health

“…Leisure and recreation activity reduce the social isolation of older adult's cohort (Chang, Wray, & Lin, 2014). They achieve a sense of wellness in older adults by enhancing their feelings of happiness, personal development, and community involvement (Lamanes & Deacon, 2019).…”