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Lesson 12:
Outcomes:
- Discuss the current needs for parks & recreation on reserve and in rural communities
- Explain the importance of access to recreation to maintain physical and mental health
- Describe current parks and recreation that are successful in Saskatchewan’s climate
Introduction to Parks & Recreation in Reserve, Rural Communities, and Saskatchewan’s Climate
In the vast and varied landscape of Canada, the significance of parks and recreational spaces remains a cornerstone for community well-being. For many, these spaces serve as venues for physical activity, social interaction, and mental respite. The needs for such amenities, however, are not uniformly distributed. Rural communities and reserves face unique challenges and priorities in terms of recreational facilities. Coupled with Saskatchewan’s distinct climate, the provision and utilization of these parks and recreational spaces become even more nuanced.
In the subsequent sections, we will delve into the pressing need for parks and recreational facilities in reserves and rural areas, underscoring the disparities and aspirations of these communities. We will further elaborate on the pivotal role that access to recreational activities plays in sustaining physical and mental health, drawing connections between well-being and environmental interaction. Lastly, we’ll spotlight successful parks and recreational initiatives tailored for Saskatchewan’s unique climate, showcasing models that thrive despite seasonal challenges. Join us on this exploration to better understand the symbiotic relationship between environment, recreation, and well-being in Canada’s heartland.
Watch the video below to learn about visiting parks with respect:
Current Needs for Parks and Recreation on Reserve and Rural Communities
Saskatchewan has diverse landscapes and a deep Indigenous history. This creates both opportunities and challenges for parks in its reserve and rural areas. It’s important to have recreational spaces that suit the unique needs of these communities, supporting health, community ties, culture, and economic growth. Given the province’s varied climate and culture, we need specific approaches. We’ll look at the key needs for parks in Saskatchewan’s reserve and rural areas, focusing on keeping traditions alive while meeting modern demands:
- Health and Well-being: Access to recreational facilities and green spaces can contribute to improved physical and mental health for community members, providing opportunities for physical activity, relaxation, and stress reduction.
- Community Engagement: Parks and recreational areas can serve as gathering spaces for community events, festivals, and social interactions, promoting a sense of community and cultural exchange.
- Cultural Preservation: For Indigenous communities, parks and recreation areas can play a crucial role in preserving and promoting traditional cultural practices, ceremonies, and teachings.
- Economic Development: Developing parks and recreational infrastructure can create job opportunities, boost local tourism, and stimulate economic growth in rural areas.
- Environmental Conservation: Establishing protected areas and green spaces can contribute to the conservation of local biodiversity and ecosystems, particularly in rural and remote regions.
- Youth and Education: Recreation facilities can provide safe and positive environments for youth, offering educational programs and activities that promote skill development and healthy lifestyles.
- Accessibility and Inclusivity: Ensuring that parks and recreational facilities are accessible and inclusive to all community members, including individuals with disabilities, is a crucial consideration. Climate Resilience: Parks and green spaces can contribute to climate resilience by providing natural buffers against extreme weather events and supporting sustainable land-use practices.
Importance of Access to Recreation for Physical and Mental Health
Recreation, encompassing experiences in nature and parks, plays a pivotal role in both physical and mental well-being. The environment, particularly natural settings, significantly impacts our health, as evidenced by a plethora of research.
Environmental Impact on Mental and Physical Health
Studies have shown a consistent pattern wherein residing closer to nature provides enhanced mental restoration, benefiting cognitive and attentional capacities. For instance, Dr. Nancy Wells, an environmental psychologist from Cornell University, has explored how human health interacts with both natural and built environments. Her research, along with other scholarly works, demonstrates that spending time outdoors can enhance mental health, behavior, and thought processes. The Children and Nature Network also provides a comprehensive literature review on the positive effects of nature on children.
Water bodies, termed “bluespace,” can further amplify these health benefits. This term encompasses everything from vast oceans to smaller man-made features like water fountains. Wallace J. Nichols’s 2014 book, “Blue Mind,” delves into the myriad benefits stemming from access to water. For many, including Nichols himself, the simple act of standing beside a water body can act as a powerful stress alleviator.
The Role of Natural Exposure in Mental Health
One striking way nature fosters mental wellness is by decreasing rumination, a repetitive negative thought process linked with several mental disorders. Research indicates that even short stints in nature, like a brief walk, can mitigate rumination. Conversely, similar activities in urban settings might not yield the same benefits. Therefore, ensuring urban areas have accessible natural spaces can be a potent tool for fostering collective mental health.
However, it’s crucial to note that not everyone benefits from nature exposure. For instance, as highlighted by Dr. Carolyn Finney in “Black Faces White Spaces,” historical and cultural factors might lead some communities, especially Black Americans, to view the outdoors with apprehension. Such perspectives, rooted in the legacies of racial violence, slavery, and the Jim Crow era, need to be recognized and addressed. Familiarization programs, particularly targeting the younger generation, can help alleviate these apprehensions.
Planning, Community Involvement and CPTED
In Canada’s journey to address its colonial past and work towards reconciliation, integrating environmental design and community involvement, especially with Indigenous communities, becomes crucial in planning and managing recreational spaces. The involvement of these communities is essential, particularly when designing areas within or near traditional lands. Failing to do so could inadvertently desecrate sacred sites or overlook valuable traditional ecological knowledge, leading to unintended repercussions.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, commonly referred to as CPTED, serves as an effective tool in creating safer environments. By using CPTED principles, environments can be designed to reduce opportunities for criminal acts, making spaces feel safer and enhancing our quality of life. This approach complements other crime prevention methods such as locks, bars, and the presence of police or security personnel. Some practical examples of CPTED in action include:
- Maintaining homes, buildings, and community parks to foster a sense of guardianship, which acts as a deterrent for potential criminals.
- Promoting community activity. By encouraging legitimate use of public spaces, potential criminal acts are dissuaded.
- Implementing natural access control. Guiding the movement of people with strategically placed entrances, exits, fences, landscaping, and lighting can decrease criminal opportunities. It restricts unwanted access and builds a perception of risk among potential wrongdoers.
However, beyond the physical design and deterrence strategies, the focus must be on the quality of recreational spaces. Knowledge-sharing initiatives between settlers and Indigenous communities are vital. Such collaborations can ensure that parks and recreational areas reflect the cultural and ecological significance of the land, leading to mutual respect and understanding.
As we consider policy and planning for future parks and recreational areas, the 2018 study by GP RED offers valuable insights. It stresses the importance of public awareness about the locations of these parks. After all, the fundamental truth remains: individuals cannot reap the benefits of these spaces if they are unaware of their existence.
Current Parks and Recreation in Saskatchewan
- Urban Parks and Green Spaces: Saskatchewan’s cities and towns boast lovely city parks and green areas. These spots are great for outdoor activities like picnics, walks, and jogs, especially in warmer seasons.
- Provincial Parks: Many are drawn to Saskatchewan’s stunning provincial parks, both locals and tourists alike. These parks have campgrounds, walking paths, and water activities such as boating and fishing.
- Winter Recreation: With its long, chilly winters, Saskatchewan sees a lot of winter sports. Popular ones include ice-skating, ice-fishing, skiing, and snowmobile rides.
- Sports and Recreation Facilities: There are numerous facilities in Saskatchewan for sports and leisure, like indoor skating rinks and sports halls. They ensure people stay active all year, regardless of the climate.
- Community Events and Festivals: Many Saskatchewan towns host outdoor events like local markets, music shows, and cultural events, promoting community bonding in a fun, outdoor setting.
- Golf Courses: For those who love golfing, Saskatchewan offers numerous courses to play the sport in the warm seasons.
Journal Question:
Using the forum labelled “Course 4: Chapter 1” make a journal entry responding to the prompt below. Ensure that you title the entry “Lesson 12”. After writing a journal entry, go and make a comment on two other posts from your classmates. It can be about anything you noticed, liked, agreed with etc. The idea is to continue the dialogue about the topic.
Prompt: Have your views on the importance of parks and recreation changed after this lesson? Why or why not?
*View the journal entry and journal comment rubric to see how they will be marked
Criteria |
Exemplary (4)
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Accomplished (3)
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Developing (2)
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Beginning (1)
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Purpose |
Strong voice and tone that clearly addresses the purpose for writing.
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Appropriate voice and tone. The purpose is largely clear.
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Attempts to use personal voice and tone. Somewhat addresses the intended purpose.
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Demonstrates limited awareness of use of voice and tone. Limited evidence of intended purpose.
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Understanding |
Many interesting, specific facts and ideas are included.
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Many facts and ideas are included.
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Some facts and ideas are included.
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Few facts and ideas are included.
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Conventions |
All grammar and spelling is correct.
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Only one or two grammar and spelling errors.
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A few grammar and spelling errors.
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Many grammar and spelling errors.
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Reply |
Made two significant contributions to the online forum. Highly supportive of others.
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Made one contribution to the online forum. Supported group members.
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Attempted to contribute to online forum but was vague and unclear in the writing.
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Minimally involved. Offered limited support to online group members.
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Works Cited:
Access to parks and the outdoors is crucial for mental health in our communities: Open space. National Recreation and Park Association. (n.d.). https://www.nrpa.org/blog/access-to-parks-and-the-outdoors-is-crucial-for-mental-health-in-our-communities/
The health and social benefits of recreation – U.S. National Park Service. (n.d.). https://www.nps.gov/goga/learn/management/upload/1536_ca-health_benefits_081505-2.pdf
Parks and Protected Areas. SaskAdapt. (n.d.). https://www.parc.ca/saskadapt/adaptation-options/theme-assessments/parks.html
Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED). The City of Calgary – Home Page. (n.d.). https://www.calgary.ca/cps/community-programs-and-resources/crime-prevention/crime-prevention-through-environmental-design.html
YouTube. (2023, June 29). Visiting with respect | parks Canada. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKBMQo98bos