Introduction to Recreation and Leisure

Introduction to Recreation and Leisure, Third Edition, gives students a broad view of the field, offering them a solid foundation for understanding the industry they plan to enter upon graduation.

Students learn from the perspectives of 52 leading professors, professionals, and emerging scholars from the United States, Canada, Brazil, China, and around the globe. Led by new editors, Tyler Tapps and Mary Sara Wells, these experts introduce recreation and leisure foundational concepts, delivery systems, and programming services. Students benefit from the diversity of perspectives and viewpoints from around the world as they learn about the similarities and differences in the industry from an international perspective.

The following are new to this edition:

• New editors and contributors from around the world, including emerging scholars

• Updated data throughout the book

• New chapter sections

• An expanded chapter on international perspectives on sustainability and ecotourism

• Real-world connections to recreation and leisure theories that help students consider career options

• A web study guide with On the Job learning activities, a glossary, chapter overviews, article summaries, and recommendations of websites to explore

A Strong Foundational Overview

Introduction to Recreation and Leisure grounds students in the historical, philosophical, and social aspects of the industry. The authors offer fresh insights into community parks and recreation departments, nonprofit organizations, and commercial recreation and ecotourism enterprises. Students learn about various enriching educational programs and services for people of all ages.

“The text encompasses a variety of services, including recreational sport management, outdoor and adventure recreation, health and wellness, and arts and culture,” says Tapps. “It also exposes students to career options and supports them as they explore their interests and prepare for challenging careers in the industry.”

Text Contents

The book is organized into three parts. In part I, students learn about the foundations of recreation and leisure, including the historical, philosophical, and social issues that have shaped the field. Part II explores various sectors of the field, including leisure service delivery systems, public recreation, the nonprofit sector, the for-profit sector (such as event and ecotourism enterprises), and therapeutic recreation, among others. Part III focuses on the programm