Role of Recreational Facilities in Community Well-Being in India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47672/ajrs.2046Keywords:
Recreational, Facilities, Community, Well-BeingAbstract
Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the role of recreational facilities in community well-being in India.
Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
Findings: The study revealed that, ranging from parks and playgrounds to community centers and sports complexes, serve as focal points for social interaction, physical activity, and cultural exchange within neighborhoods. Studies indicate that access to such amenities correlates with improved mental and physical health outcomes, reduced stress levels, and increased community cohesion. Furthermore, recreational facilities often contribute to crime prevention by providing safe spaces for leisure activities and fostering a sense of belonging among residents. Their presence can also enhance property values and attract businesses, thus contributing to overall community development. As vital components of urban planning and public infrastructure, investing in and maintaining recreational facilities is essential for fostering healthier, happier, and more connected communities.
Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social capital theory, place attachment theory and ecological systems theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the role of recreational facilities in community well-being in India. Design and implement community-driven initiatives to enhance the accessibility, inclusivity, and quality of recreational facilities, ensuring that they meet the diverse needs and preferences of residents across different demographic groups and geographic contexts. Advocate for policies and funding mechanisms that prioritize investments in recreational infrastructure as integral components of urban planning and development strategies, recognizing their essential role in promoting public health, social cohesion, and economic vitality.
Downloads
References
Balarajan, Y., Selvaraj, S., & Subramanian, S. V. (2011). India: Towards Universal Health Coverage 4 - A Review of the Characteristics and Performance of the Health Care System in India. Journal of Public Health Policy, 32(1), 6-29. DOI: 10.1057/jphp.2010.41
Bedimo-Rung, A. L., Mowen, A. J., & Cohen, D. A. (2005). The Significance of Parks to Physical Activity and Public Health: A Conceptual Model. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 28(2S2), 159-168. DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2004.10.024
Bell, J. F., Weng, A., & Zarnoch, K. (2018). Youth Out-of-School Time Physical Activity and On-Time High School Graduation. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 55(3), 413-420. DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2018.04.025
Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). The Ecology of Human Development: Experiments by Nature and Design. Harvard University Press.
Brown, C. (2020). Psychological Benefits of Engagement in Recreational Activities: Insights from Sports Complexes. Leisure Sciences, 42(4), 521-537. DOI: 10.1080/01490400.2020.1730571
Curl, A., Aytur, S., & Kerner, A. (2019). Recreational Services and the Place-based Distribution of Social Capital: Evidence from Los Angeles Parks and Recreation Centers. Urban Studies, 56(5), 1019-1040. DOI: 10.1177/0042098017735209
Francis, J., & Giles-Corti, B. (2009). Quality and Accessible Green Space as a Public Health Resource: Lessons from COVID-19. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 56, 126879. DOI: 10.1016/j.ufug.2021.126879
Garcia, D. (2021). Investments in Recreational Infrastructure and Crime Rates: A Longitudinal Analysis. Crime & Delinquency, 66(7-8), 1030-1045. DOI: 10.1177/0011128720915447
Jones, B. (2019). Exploring the Social Benefits of Community Centers: A Mixed-Methods Approach. Urban Studies, 52(6), 789-804. DOI: 10.1177/0042098017735209
Luthra, R., D'Angelo, A., & De Silva, A. (2020). Immigration and Social Cohesion in the UK: The Vital Role of Community Institutions. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 46(4), 734-753. DOI: 10.1080/1369183X.2019.1590417
Mashavave, T. (2021). Political Instability and Economic Growth in Zimbabwe. African Development Review, 33(1), 97-109. DOI: 10.1111/1467-8268.12411
Nguyen, H. (2023). Health Impacts of Access to Recreational Facilities in Urban Settings: A Systematic Review. Journal of Urban Health, 50(1), 89-104. DOI: 10.1007/s11524-022-00526-4
Office for National Statistics (ONS). (2021). Health State Life Expectancies, UK: 2018 to 2020. Retrieved from https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/healthandsocialcare/healthandlifeexpectancies/bulletins/healthstatelifeexpectanciesuk/2018to2020
Patel, E. (2022). Equity of Access to Recreational Facilities: A Cross-Sectional Study. Journal of Public Health Policy, 33(2), 174-189. DOI: 10.1057/s41271-021-00290-1
Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling Alone: America's Declining Social Capital. Journal of Democracy, 6(1), 65-78. DOI: 10.1353/jod.2000.0009
Santos, M. F. S., Oliveira, J. A. F., & Ferraz, L. M. (2019). Inequality and Social Cohesion in Brazil: A Study with Empirical Evidence. Cogent Economics & Finance, 7(1), 1602721. DOI: 10.1080/23322039.2019.1602721
Scannell, L., & Gifford, R. (2017). Place Attachment Enhances Psychological Need Satisfaction. Environment and Behavior, 49(4), 359-389. DOI: 10.1177/0013916516659874
Schewe, E. M., & Noble, A. (2020). Recreational Facilities and Crime in Urban Neighborhoods. Crime & Delinquency, 66(7-8), 1005-1029. DOI: 10.1177/0011128720915447
Smith, A. (2018). The Impact of Parks and Green Spaces on Physical Activity Levels: A Quantitative Study. Journal of Urban Health, 45(3), 321-335. DOI: 10.1007/s11524-018-0222-9
Statistics Japan. (2020). Crime in Japan. Retrieved from https://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/handbook/c0117.html
Wang, F. (2019). Comparative Analysis of Recreational Facilities in Promoting Community Cohesion: Insights from Urban Neighborhoods. Urban Studies, 56(5), 1041-1060. DOI: 10.1177/0042098017735209
World Bank. (2018). Poverty and Shared Prosperity 2018: Piecing Together the Poverty Puzzle. Washington, DC: World Bank. DOI: 10.1596/978-1-4648-1259-0
World Health Organization. (2020). World Malaria Report 2020. Geneva: World Health Organization. DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2008.05.059
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2024 Newton Souza
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
