 |
Recreation
|
City of Roswell
P.O. Drawer 1838
Roswell, NM 88202-1838
(505) 624-6700
Fax: 624-6889 |
THE LEISURE INCIDENT
"What Is Recreation?"
November 15, 2025
Kim Elliott, CLP
Recreation Director
City of Roswell
Recreation! Play! Leisure!
These are terms that we sometimes use to mean the same thing. The problem is that they
are not the same. We just use them in the same manner. John Neulinger says, "The
term leisure is very much like the term intelligence. Everybody uses it, but hardly anyone
can agree on what it means." The same applies to the words and concepts of play
and recreation. What do they mean?
Do you realize how important leisure, recreation and play are? The earliest history of
civilization was written during someone's "leisure" time. Great works of art
were produced during someone's "leisure" time. Fabulous inventions were
conceived and built during someone's "leisure" time. Problems have been solved
during "leisure" time. Health has been enhanced by using one's
"leisure" time properly. Cultural diversity has been promoted during
participation in "leisure" time activities. Youth have been kept busy by
participating in "leisure" activities. Major business deals have been finalized
during "leisure" time.
The list can go on and on!
Why? Because leisure is a very important aspect of life. Most of us just take it for
granted! If we can better understand what it is, then maybe we will be better able to
appreciate it more.
To some it may appear that the child plays; the young adult recreates and the senior
participates in leisure activities. But, can't the child be involved in recreation? Can
the young adult participate in leisure activities? Can seniors play?
Of course they can! But, what is the difference? Let’s see if we can come up with
some definitions of play, recreation and leisure that might help us to understand what we
are doing.
When we talk of "play", we normally talk about a behavior. Children at play
brings to mind a picture of a certain type of behavior. A 'playful' behavior. Children
laughing and having fun would fit this type of behavior. Adults laughing and having fun
would also fit this type of behavior. Someone at play is able to amuse themselves. Many
times play involves more than one, but all involved exhibit the same type of behavior.
Recreation, though very closely related to play, might be better expressed as an
activity. We participate in recreational activities. The body or mind is refreshed from
recreational activities. Children at play can participate in a recreational activity.
Recreation activities may be either passive or active in nature. Watching a movie can be a
refreshing recreational activity while at the same time a game of pickup basketball or
baseball can also be a refreshing recreational activity. Behavior with a purpose like an
aerobics, arts and crafts, walking, card playing, etc… are examples of recreational
activities. A playful behavior can be expressed through recreational activities.
When we consider the definition of leisure, we see that it encompasses both behavior
and activity. Play and recreation are a part of having a leisure attitude. This attitude
can be found in children, young adults and seniors. Our concept of leisure determines how
we play and what activities we participate in to provide us with refreshment, relaxation
and rest for the soul. Having a positive attitude of leisure is important not only for
individual growth but for the growth of a community.
Recreation! Play! Leisure! All are important to a community that shows healthy growth.
If these are not present, then the community slows and becomes stagnated. This is not good
for the people in the community or the community as a whole. Harry Truman said, "The
right of children to play, to sing and to dance; the right of youth to sport for sports'
sake; the right of men and women to use leisure in the pursuit of happiness in their own
way, are basic to our American Heritage."
As we go further into this holiday season, let us be playful in our activities as we
develop a positive, mature philosophy of leisure that will carry us through a new century.
Parks and Recreation - The Benefits are Endless...TM
