Description

Book Synopsis
Introduction to Recreation and Leisure, Fourth Edition With HKPropel Access, presents a comprehensive view of the multifaceted, expansive field of recreation and leisure. This full-color text grounds students in the historical, philosophical, and social aspects of the industry. Community parks and recreation departments, nonprofit organizations, and commercial recreation and ecotourism enterprises are thoroughly explored. Students learn about various enriching educational programs and services for people of all ages.

The contributing authors are more than 40 professors and professionals from across the globe—including the United States, Canada, Europe, Brazil, China, and Nigeria—who offer international perspectives on the recreation and leisure industries. The text illustrates the wide breadth of opportunities within this diverse profession and explores current issues in the world that have an impact on the field. The fourth edition offers the following new features:
  • Related online learning materials delivered through HKPropel that offer opportunities to engage with and better understand the content
  • Content that reflects the global impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has changed recreation and leisure experiences
  • Updated content on environmental sustainability, health and wellness, social equity, and quality of life
  • An expanded look at esports
The book is organized into three parts. Part I provides the foundation of the industry, including an introduction, history, and philosophical concepts. Part II introduces various sectors and areas of the field. Part III presents the different types of programming found in recreation and leisure services. These interest areas include sport management; esports; health, wellness, and quality of life; outdoor and adventure recreation; and culture and the arts.

Each chapter includes learning objectives that display the chapter’s important concepts. Also included in each chapter is an Outstanding Graduates sidebar that highlights a former student who has gone on to a successful career in the field, sharing insights and advice for those just starting out. A glossary is provided at the end of the text. Related online learning materials within HKPropel include chapter overviews, flash cards, On the Job learning activities, research prompts, and links to websites to explore. Chapter quizzes, which are automatically graded, may also be assigned to test comprehension of critical concepts.

Introduction to Recreation and Leisure prepares students for success in the field. With insights and perspectives from top professionals and professors from around the globe, the text presents foundational concepts, delivery systems, and programming services that can spur future professionals to make a positive impact on society through recreation and leisure.

Note: A code for accessing HKPropel is included with this ebook.

Table of Contents
Part I. Foundations of Recreation and Leisure

Chapter 1. Parks, Recreation, and Leisure: A Notable History and Promising Future
Ellen O’Sullivan
Welcome to the World of Parks, Recreation, and Leisure
Adapted Evolution: From Public Good to Personal Consumption
And Then, Along Came COVID-19
Welcome to the Postpandemic Era: Essential, Blended, and Economic
Significant Issues of the Postpandemic Era
Less Visible Conditions With Serious Consequences
Emerging Professional Roles for the Postpandemic Era
The Vitality and Vibrancy of the Future of Parks, Recreation, and Leisure

Chapter 2. History of Recreation
Tristan Hopper, Jill Sturts, Douglas Kennedy, and Jerome F. Singleton
Tracing the Roots of Leisure
Development of Recreation in the United States
Development of Recreation in Canada
Current Trends Affecting Recreation and Leisure
Similarities Between Canada and the United States
Summary

Chapter 3. Philosophy and Leisure
Donald J. McLean and Mary Sara Wells
Why Does Philosophy Matter?
Metaphysics and Leisure
Epistemology and Leisure
Logic and Leisure
Aesthetics and Leisure
Ethics and Leisure
Contemporary Philosophy of Leisure
Solving Ethical Dilemmas in Leisure Services
Summary

Chapter 4. Leisure and Recreation for Individuals in Society
Juan Tortosa Martínez, Daniel G. Yoder, and Mary Sara Wells
Leisure as a Complex Social Phenomenon
Similarity and Diversity in Recreation and Leisure
Gender and Sexual Orientation
Ethnicity and Race
Religion
Socioeconomic Status
Benefits and Constraints of Leisure
Good and Bad Leisure and Recreation
Implications for Professionals
Summary

Part II. Leisure and Recreation as a Multifaceted Delivery System

Chapter 5. Leisure Service Delivery Systems
David N. Emanuelson and Mary Sara Wells
Private Sector
Private-Sector Leisure Service Delivery Systems
Nonprofit Sector
Nonprofit-Sector Leisure Service Delivery Systems
Public Sector
Municipal Public-Sector Leisure Service Delivery Systems
Professional Preparation for Leisure Service Delivery
Professional Accreditation
Summary

Chapter 6. Parks and Protected Areas in Canada and the United States
Paul F.J. Eagles and Jeffrey C. Hallo
History of Parks in Canada
Park Systems of Canada
History of Parks in the United States
Park Systems of the United States
International Treaties and Protected Area Designations and Parks
Comparing Canada and the United States
Career Opportunities
Challenges and Trends for the 21st Century
Summary

Chapter 7. Public Recreation

Public Parks and Recreation in the United States and Canada
Mary Sara Wells
Historical Overview of Public Recreation in the United States
Historical Overview of Public Recreation in Canada
Delivery Systems in Public Recreation
Partnerships: Connections to the Community
Faces of Public Recreation
Chameleon Profession: Ever-Changing Societal Issues and Needs
Political Realities: No Pain, No Gain
Benefits of Recreation
Summary

Inclusive Recreation
Terry Long
Building Blocks of Inclusion
Defining Inclusion
Specialized Programs
Summary

Chapter 8. Nonprofit Sector
Robert F. Ashcraft
Nonprofit Sector in the United States and Canada
Types of National and Community-Based Nonprofit Recreation Organizations
Professionals in Nonprofit Organizations
Challenges and Opportunities for the Future
Summary

Chapter 9. For-Profit Sector: Recreation, Event, and Tourism Enterprises
Robert E. Pfister and Patrick T. Tierney
Attributes of For-Profit Services
RET Industry Model
Considering an RET Career
Trends and Challenges
Summary

Chapter 10. Therapeutic Recreation
Frances Stavola Daly and Robin Kunstler
Defining Therapeutic Recreation
History of Therapeutic Recreation
Therapeutic Recreation Settings and Services
Therapeutic Recreation Practice Models
Therapeutic Recreation Process
Professionalism
Your Future in Therapeutic Recreation
Trends for the 21st Century
Summary

Chapter 11. Unique Groups

Campus Recreation
Nicole Green
History of Campus Recreation
Organizational Structures
Benefits
Career Opportunities
Trends in Campus Recreation
Summary

Esports
Augustus W. Hallmon
History
Esports in Parks and Recreation
Are Eports Really Sports?
Future of Esports
Summary

Faith-Based Recreation
John Byl and David Kahan
Differences Within Faith Traditions
Differences Among Faith Traditions
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam and the National Recreation and Park Association Pillars
Employment in Faith-Based Recreation
Summary

Worksite Recreation and Health Promotion
Mary Parr
Corporate Wellness and Health Promotion
History of Worksite Wellness
Community Health, Population Health, and Individual Health
Benefits of Corporate Wellness and Health Promotion Programs
Wellness and Health Promotion Program Planning and Operation
Wellness and Health Promotion: Other Program Types
Impacts of Recent Legislation
Career Preparation
Summary

Recreation in the Armed Forces
Yating “Tina” Liang
History
Military Versus Civilian Recreation
U.S. Armed Forces
Canadian Armed Forces
Military Recreation Program Areas
Employment Opportunities
COVID-19’s Impact on MWR
Summary

Chapter 12. Leisure and Recreation Across the Life Span
Mary Sara Wells and Tyler Tapps
Leisure Functions Across the Life Span
Infancy
Childhood
Adolescence
Adulthood
Generation Effect
Summary

Part III. Delivering Recreation and Leisure Services

Chapter 13. Program Delivery System
Diane C. Blankenship and Rachel Kollasch
Program Delivery History
Mission and Outcomes
Leadership Within the Program Delivery System
Program Classification
Program Formats
Summary

Chapter 14. Recreational Sport Management
H. Joey Gray, Robert J. Barcelona, and Kelsie N. Roberts
Examining Sport Management From a Recreational Perspective
Defining Recreational Sport
Five Programming Areas of Recreational Sport Management
Scope of Participation in Recreational Sport
Trends in Recreational Sport Management
International Participation in Recreational Sport
Career Opportunities
Summary

Chapter 15. Health, Wellness, and Quality of Life
Rhonda Cross Beemer, Matthew Symonds, and Terrance Robertson
Personal Health
The Wellness Perspective
Quality of Life, Health, and Healthy Communities
History in the Making: Healthy Communities
Career Opportunities
Summary

Chapter 16. Outdoor and Adventure Recreation
Bruce Martin, Garrett Hutson, and Marni Goldenberg
Definition of Outdoor and Adventure Recreation
History of Outdoor and Adventure Recreation in Canada and the United States
Settings and Delivery Systems
Contemporary Trends and Issues in Outdoor and Adventure Recreation
Summary

Chapter 17. Arts and Culture
Julie Voelker-Morris and Kim Lyddane
Types of Arts and Cultural Experiences in Recreation and Leisure
Types of Organizations and Roles Available
Participation in Arts and Cultural Activities
Benefits of Arts and Cultural Recreation Opportunities
Contemporary Trends for Recreation Professionals Who Implement Arts and Cultural Activities
Summary

Chapter 18. The Nature and Future of Recreation and Leisure as a Profession
Tracy L. Mainieri
Characteristics of the Recreation and Leisure Services Profession
Recreation and Leisure Services as a Human Services Profession
How to Position for a Recreation and Leisure Career . . . Now!
Changes in the Field: Responding to an Ever-Changing World
Summary

Chapter 19. International Perspectives on Recreation and Leisure

International Perspectives: Sustainability and Ecotourism
Kevin J. Fink and Michael J. Bradley
Sustainability
Worldwide Impact of COVID-19 on Recreation, Tourism, and Leisure
International Job Market in Recreation and Tourism
International Overview
International Organizations
Ecotourism and Nature Travel
Recreation, Tourism, and Leisure Development and Advocacy
Physical Activity, Green-Space Use, and COVID-19
Summary

Recreation and Leisure in Brazil
Arianne C. Reis and Alcyane Marinho
Historical Development of Recreation and Leisure in Brazil
Types of Sectors, Segments, and Services
COVID-19 Impacts and Trends
Summary

Recreation and Leisure in China
Jinyang Deng, Huimei Liu, and Jian Li
A Brief History of China’s Leisure Development
Recreation Opportunities in China
Challenges and Trends for the Future
Summary

Recreation in Nigeria
Franz U. Atare
Historical Development of Recreation and Leisure in Nigeria
Settings, Organization, and Structures
Diverse Populations and Their Interests
Challenges, Issues, and Trends
COVID-19 and Leisure Activity
Summary

Introduction to Recreation and Leisure

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    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Sat 18 Jul 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Tyler Tapps, Mary Sara Wells

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      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of Introduction to Recreation and Leisure by Tyler Tapps

      Publisher: Human Kinetics Publishers
      Publication Date: 20/02/2024
      ISBN13: 9781718212381, 978-1718212381
      ISBN10: 1718212380

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      Introduction to Recreation and Leisure, Fourth Edition With HKPropel Access, presents a comprehensive view of the multifaceted, expansive field of recreation and leisure. This full-color text grounds students in the historical, philosophical, and social aspects of the industry. Community parks and recreation departments, nonprofit organizations, and commercial recreation and ecotourism enterprises are thoroughly explored. Students learn about various enriching educational programs and services for people of all ages.

      The contributing authors are more than 40 professors and professionals from across the globe—including the United States, Canada, Europe, Brazil, China, and Nigeria—who offer international perspectives on the recreation and leisure industries. The text illustrates the wide breadth of opportunities within this diverse profession and explores current issues in the world that have an impact on the field. The fourth edition offers the following new features:
      • Related online learning materials delivered through HKPropel that offer opportunities to engage with and better understand the content
      • Content that reflects the global impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has changed recreation and leisure experiences
      • Updated content on environmental sustainability, health and wellness, social equity, and quality of life
      • An expanded look at esports
      The book is organized into three parts. Part I provides the foundation of the industry, including an introduction, history, and philosophical concepts. Part II introduces various sectors and areas of the field. Part III presents the different types of programming found in recreation and leisure services. These interest areas include sport management; esports; health, wellness, and quality of life; outdoor and adventure recreation; and culture and the arts.

      Each chapter includes learning objectives that display the chapter’s important concepts. Also included in each chapter is an Outstanding Graduates sidebar that highlights a former student who has gone on to a successful career in the field, sharing insights and advice for those just starting out. A glossary is provided at the end of the text. Related online learning materials within HKPropel include chapter overviews, flash cards, On the Job learning activities, research prompts, and links to websites to explore. Chapter quizzes, which are automatically graded, may also be assigned to test comprehension of critical concepts.

      Introduction to Recreation and Leisure prepares students for success in the field. With insights and perspectives from top professionals and professors from around the globe, the text presents foundational concepts, delivery systems, and programming services that can spur future professionals to make a positive impact on society through recreation and leisure.

      Note: A code for accessing HKPropel is included with this ebook.

      Table of Contents
      Part I. Foundations of Recreation and Leisure

      Chapter 1. Parks, Recreation, and Leisure: A Notable History and Promising Future
      Ellen O’Sullivan
      Welcome to the World of Parks, Recreation, and Leisure
      Adapted Evolution: From Public Good to Personal Consumption
      And Then, Along Came COVID-19
      Welcome to the Postpandemic Era: Essential, Blended, and Economic
      Significant Issues of the Postpandemic Era
      Less Visible Conditions With Serious Consequences
      Emerging Professional Roles for the Postpandemic Era
      The Vitality and Vibrancy of the Future of Parks, Recreation, and Leisure

      Chapter 2. History of Recreation
      Tristan Hopper, Jill Sturts, Douglas Kennedy, and Jerome F. Singleton
      Tracing the Roots of Leisure
      Development of Recreation in the United States
      Development of Recreation in Canada
      Current Trends Affecting Recreation and Leisure
      Similarities Between Canada and the United States
      Summary

      Chapter 3. Philosophy and Leisure
      Donald J. McLean and Mary Sara Wells
      Why Does Philosophy Matter?
      Metaphysics and Leisure
      Epistemology and Leisure
      Logic and Leisure
      Aesthetics and Leisure
      Ethics and Leisure
      Contemporary Philosophy of Leisure
      Solving Ethical Dilemmas in Leisure Services
      Summary

      Chapter 4. Leisure and Recreation for Individuals in Society
      Juan Tortosa Martínez, Daniel G. Yoder, and Mary Sara Wells
      Leisure as a Complex Social Phenomenon
      Similarity and Diversity in Recreation and Leisure
      Gender and Sexual Orientation
      Ethnicity and Race
      Religion
      Socioeconomic Status
      Benefits and Constraints of Leisure
      Good and Bad Leisure and Recreation
      Implications for Professionals
      Summary

      Part II. Leisure and Recreation as a Multifaceted Delivery System

      Chapter 5. Leisure Service Delivery Systems
      David N. Emanuelson and Mary Sara Wells
      Private Sector
      Private-Sector Leisure Service Delivery Systems
      Nonprofit Sector
      Nonprofit-Sector Leisure Service Delivery Systems
      Public Sector
      Municipal Public-Sector Leisure Service Delivery Systems
      Professional Preparation for Leisure Service Delivery
      Professional Accreditation
      Summary

      Chapter 6. Parks and Protected Areas in Canada and the United States
      Paul F.J. Eagles and Jeffrey C. Hallo
      History of Parks in Canada
      Park Systems of Canada
      History of Parks in the United States
      Park Systems of the United States
      International Treaties and Protected Area Designations and Parks
      Comparing Canada and the United States
      Career Opportunities
      Challenges and Trends for the 21st Century
      Summary

      Chapter 7. Public Recreation

      Public Parks and Recreation in the United States and Canada
      Mary Sara Wells
      Historical Overview of Public Recreation in the United States
      Historical Overview of Public Recreation in Canada
      Delivery Systems in Public Recreation
      Partnerships: Connections to the Community
      Faces of Public Recreation
      Chameleon Profession: Ever-Changing Societal Issues and Needs
      Political Realities: No Pain, No Gain
      Benefits of Recreation
      Summary

      Inclusive Recreation
      Terry Long
      Building Blocks of Inclusion
      Defining Inclusion
      Specialized Programs
      Summary

      Chapter 8. Nonprofit Sector
      Robert F. Ashcraft
      Nonprofit Sector in the United States and Canada
      Types of National and Community-Based Nonprofit Recreation Organizations
      Professionals in Nonprofit Organizations
      Challenges and Opportunities for the Future
      Summary

      Chapter 9. For-Profit Sector: Recreation, Event, and Tourism Enterprises
      Robert E. Pfister and Patrick T. Tierney
      Attributes of For-Profit Services
      RET Industry Model
      Considering an RET Career
      Trends and Challenges
      Summary

      Chapter 10. Therapeutic Recreation
      Frances Stavola Daly and Robin Kunstler
      Defining Therapeutic Recreation
      History of Therapeutic Recreation
      Therapeutic Recreation Settings and Services
      Therapeutic Recreation Practice Models
      Therapeutic Recreation Process
      Professionalism
      Your Future in Therapeutic Recreation
      Trends for the 21st Century
      Summary

      Chapter 11. Unique Groups

      Campus Recreation
      Nicole Green
      History of Campus Recreation
      Organizational Structures
      Benefits
      Career Opportunities
      Trends in Campus Recreation
      Summary

      Esports
      Augustus W. Hallmon
      History
      Esports in Parks and Recreation
      Are Eports Really Sports?
      Future of Esports
      Summary

      Faith-Based Recreation
      John Byl and David Kahan
      Differences Within Faith Traditions
      Differences Among Faith Traditions
      Judaism, Christianity, and Islam and the National Recreation and Park Association Pillars
      Employment in Faith-Based Recreation
      Summary

      Worksite Recreation and Health Promotion
      Mary Parr
      Corporate Wellness and Health Promotion
      History of Worksite Wellness
      Community Health, Population Health, and Individual Health
      Benefits of Corporate Wellness and Health Promotion Programs
      Wellness and Health Promotion Program Planning and Operation
      Wellness and Health Promotion: Other Program Types
      Impacts of Recent Legislation
      Career Preparation
      Summary

      Recreation in the Armed Forces
      Yating “Tina” Liang
      History
      Military Versus Civilian Recreation
      U.S. Armed Forces
      Canadian Armed Forces
      Military Recreation Program Areas
      Employment Opportunities
      COVID-19’s Impact on MWR
      Summary

      Chapter 12. Leisure and Recreation Across the Life Span
      Mary Sara Wells and Tyler Tapps
      Leisure Functions Across the Life Span
      Infancy
      Childhood
      Adolescence
      Adulthood
      Generation Effect
      Summary

      Part III. Delivering Recreation and Leisure Services

      Chapter 13. Program Delivery System
      Diane C. Blankenship and Rachel Kollasch
      Program Delivery History
      Mission and Outcomes
      Leadership Within the Program Delivery System
      Program Classification
      Program Formats
      Summary

      Chapter 14. Recreational Sport Management
      H. Joey Gray, Robert J. Barcelona, and Kelsie N. Roberts
      Examining Sport Management From a Recreational Perspective
      Defining Recreational Sport
      Five Programming Areas of Recreational Sport Management
      Scope of Participation in Recreational Sport
      Trends in Recreational Sport Management
      International Participation in Recreational Sport
      Career Opportunities
      Summary

      Chapter 15. Health, Wellness, and Quality of Life
      Rhonda Cross Beemer, Matthew Symonds, and Terrance Robertson
      Personal Health
      The Wellness Perspective
      Quality of Life, Health, and Healthy Communities
      History in the Making: Healthy Communities
      Career Opportunities
      Summary

      Chapter 16. Outdoor and Adventure Recreation
      Bruce Martin, Garrett Hutson, and Marni Goldenberg
      Definition of Outdoor and Adventure Recreation
      History of Outdoor and Adventure Recreation in Canada and the United States
      Settings and Delivery Systems
      Contemporary Trends and Issues in Outdoor and Adventure Recreation
      Summary

      Chapter 17. Arts and Culture
      Julie Voelker-Morris and Kim Lyddane
      Types of Arts and Cultural Experiences in Recreation and Leisure
      Types of Organizations and Roles Available
      Participation in Arts and Cultural Activities
      Benefits of Arts and Cultural Recreation Opportunities
      Contemporary Trends for Recreation Professionals Who Implement Arts and Cultural Activities
      Summary

      Chapter 18. The Nature and Future of Recreation and Leisure as a Profession
      Tracy L. Mainieri
      Characteristics of the Recreation and Leisure Services Profession
      Recreation and Leisure Services as a Human Services Profession
      How to Position for a Recreation and Leisure Career . . . Now!
      Changes in the Field: Responding to an Ever-Changing World
      Summary

      Chapter 19. International Perspectives on Recreation and Leisure

      International Perspectives: Sustainability and Ecotourism
      Kevin J. Fink and Michael J. Bradley
      Sustainability
      Worldwide Impact of COVID-19 on Recreation, Tourism, and Leisure
      International Job Market in Recreation and Tourism
      International Overview
      International Organizations
      Ecotourism and Nature Travel
      Recreation, Tourism, and Leisure Development and Advocacy
      Physical Activity, Green-Space Use, and COVID-19
      Summary

      Recreation and Leisure in Brazil
      Arianne C. Reis and Alcyane Marinho
      Historical Development of Recreation and Leisure in Brazil
      Types of Sectors, Segments, and Services
      COVID-19 Impacts and Trends
      Summary

      Recreation and Leisure in China
      Jinyang Deng, Huimei Liu, and Jian Li
      A Brief History of China’s Leisure Development
      Recreation Opportunities in China
      Challenges and Trends for the Future
      Summary

      Recreation in Nigeria
      Franz U. Atare
      Historical Development of Recreation and Leisure in Nigeria
      Settings, Organization, and Structures
      Diverse Populations and Their Interests
      Challenges, Issues, and Trends
      COVID-19 and Leisure Activity
      Summary

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