Why are parks and recreation programs important?
Recreation used to be viewed as something pleasant which we did when we had time. This perception has undergone significant change in recent years. Individuals and communities have realized—and research continues to demonstrate—the broad reaching benefits associated with recreation and active living. The 1997 Benefits Catalogue, produced by the REThink Group for Health Canada, the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association and Parks and Recreation Ontario, identifies eight major benefits areas.
