Recreation & Leisure Services

Originally published in 1996, "Pastimes" introduced an exciting new text that explored leisure and recreation philosophy and science, the various sub-fields, and the leisure services industry. This edition is the result of what the author has learned from years of engagement with leisure theory, research, and personal and professional practice. You can expect to find: New chapter outlining leisure service delivery systems; New concepts supported by recent research; More illustrations of concepts through field-based cases, biographical features, exploratory activities, and research studies; Additional definitions of terms; Even new and more photographs. Throughout, the author has tried to use the most interesting, relevant, and exciting information and approaches possible. More than a textbook, "Pastimes" clarifies the connection between leisure and being human.

While community quality-of-life indicators are gaining much needed attention in both scholarly work and practice, their application in the areas of parks, recreation and tourism management are not as well known. The applicability of indicator systems for natural resource and natural resource area management within the parks and recreation arena is very high, including urban parks and recreation programs and their influence on quality of life. Tourism is also an area that needs much more work in terms of assessing impacts as well as developing indicators for gauging progress in the long term. All three areas are an integrated discipline and most programs throughout the developed world are housed co-jointly. There are several researchers across the globe who are conducting innovative work in these areas. The editors feel that a volume on the topic will spur additional interests as well as serve to lead the research efforts.