Leisure Planning Process – Systematic Adhocracy: VIC/TAS Rec+ Research
A limited understanding exists, from a research perspective, of how local governments plan their aquatic and recreation centres (ARCs). Join us as we hear from Katie McDonald, Adjunct Research Fellow at Victoria University, as she discusses her research which explored the planning process of two ARCs in metropolitan Melbourne.
“Three recent leisure planning texts (Barth, 2020; Marriott et al, 2021; Veal, 2017) were used to create a leisure planning typology and analyse current ARC planning processes. Findings from our study identified a range of these typology components were used in the planning process of the two ARCs, however, a range of missing steps also existed.”
“Another finding was local governments conducted their ARC planning in a non-systematic nature i.e., neither of the case studies formally incorporated a formal leisure planning model, instead the planning process was an ad hoc approach. The typology presented provides a starting point to understand the process used for how ARCs are planned.”
Meet the speaker
Katie McDonald PhD
Adjunct Research Fellow, Victoria University
Katie is an Adjunct Research Fellow at Victoria University and a Recreation Planner with over 25 years of experience in the sports and recreation industry.
A passionate supporter of community sport and recreation, Katie has worked at Victoria University for many years as a lecturer and sessional tutor for undergraduate sport and recreation students and also has numerous research experiences. Completing her PhD in ‘A Critical Analysis of Aquatic and Recreation Centre Planning and Decision-making’, she is also a co-author of the book Community Leisure and Recreation Planning published in 2021.
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About the Rec+ Research initiative:
Parks and Leisure Australia Vic/Tas Region (PLA Vic/Tas) and Rec People have created a partnership to bring evidence-based research findings from sport, recreation, leisure, play, parks and open space sectors to the physical activity industry. The joint initiative Rec+ Research is a result of both organisations recognising a need to deliver a dedicated program that identifies and presents the latest industry research findings directly to the practitioners who are responsible for the planning and delivery of programs, services and infrastructure in our communities.
The goal of Rec+ Research is to keep industry professionals up to date with the latest data and research on parks and open space provision and usage, sport and recreation facility provision, and physical activity programs and services. To discuss opportunities to present your research findings as part of Rec+ Research, please contact Dan Ferguson, Executive Officer, Parks and Leisure Australia (Vic/Tas) victas@parksleisure.com.au or 0432 334 054.