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Recreation
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City of Roswell
P.O. Drawer 1838
Roswell, NM 88202-1838
(505) 624-6700
Fax: 624-6889 |
THE LEISURE INCIDENT
Chapter Three - Individual Benefits - Part 2
By Kim Elliott, CLP
Recreation Director
City of Roswell
The Leisure Incident!
What happens when "The Leisure Incident" happens to us? What happens when
someone stops to relax in one of our parks? What happens when an individual plays a pickup
game of basketball? What happens when the playground is full of active children? What
happens when people travel to Roswell to participate in a competitive run? What happens
when a couple of seniors decide to play a game of checkers?
This incident affects not only the individual, but the community as a whole.
Participating in a leisure activity is fundamental to the quality of the life of people,
our community and our society as a whole. We want to continue looking at how this incident
benefits those individuals involved in The Leisure Incident.
John Locke understood that recreation should and does play an important role in the
lives of successful people when he said, "He that will make a good use of any part
of his life must allow a large part of it for recreation." Recreation and
participation in leisure activities is essential for the health and well being of an
individual, not to mention the community.
Did you know that psychologists Sachs and Segal in 1995 found that pleasant events such
as a walk in the woods or dinner with friends gave a boost to the immune system that
lasted two or three days?
Did you know that a study done by Club Industry in October of 1995 found that people
who are socially involved are two to five times less likely to suffer from heart disease?
Did you know that physically active older adults have lower blood pressure than do
their less active counterparts?
Did you know that the main local leisure service provider in Roswell is the Roswell
Recreation Department? Over 25,000 different individuals were served last year with
programs and services provided by the Roswell Recreation Department. This does not include
those individuals who just wanted to relax in one of Roswell’s many park sites.
The father of the American playground, Joseph Lee, is quoted as saying, "Play
for grown people is recreation--the renewal of life; for children it is growth--the
gaining of life." Life seems to be a common denominator!
A persons quality of life is enhanced by the leisure services provided in a community.
Recreation helps to provide for a full and meaningful life. Life satisfaction is enhanced
by leisure opportunities. Personal development and growth help the individual to cope in
life. Positive recreation experiences provide for a sense of accomplishment in life. An
individuals self esteem and self reliance is promoted which leads to a more productive
life. Living an active life helps an individual to maintain their health.
Life does seem to be the common denominator!
Americans choose leisure activities to recharge their batteries. The benefits of this
recharging can be seen in positive attitudes, positive healthy lifestyles, positive family
interactions, and reduced stress among others, that all lead to a more productive and
enjoyable life. When an individual is more productive and enjoys life more, that leads to
other benefits that will be discussed later.
Nadine Starr at age 85 said in, If I Had My Life To Live Over,
"I would go to more dances.
I would ride more merry-go-rounds.
I would pick more daisies."
The Fall Lifelong Scholar program is about to get underway at the Roswell Adult Center.
Maybe you should stop by and see what they have to offer your life!
NOTE: Part of this 3rd article is duplicated from #2 because the paper did not print
all of #2.
Parks and Recreation - The Benefits are Endless...TM
