Commercial Recreation

Presented By: Erika Laugeson

Recreation We know that leisure is an intricate and dynamic concept with different meanings depending on the contexts of place, time and people. Some people view leisure as free time, some as non-work related activities, and some as a way of attaining a positive state of mind.

The closing chapter of Ruth V. Russell's textbook: Pastimes, The Context of Contemporary Leisure, is dedicated to Leisure Systems. Leisure systems are the very most important part of leisure, because the ability for people to recreate depends on them.

Modern developments in leisure have produced a highly successful industry.

A leisure delivery system is a means for providing leisure products and services to the public. Types of these systems include but are not limited to: tourism and outdoor recreation centers. Some of these are owned by the community, they are public. Some are owned by the state or national government, and others are private.

What makes recreation “commercial”? Places like: Resorts

From Horse Ranches in Colorado, to beach resorts in Florida, Resorts are commercialized vacations. Some are age specific and some are “all inclusive”.

Theme parks Theme parks exist all over America. A typical theme park has roller coasters and other attractions. Water parks are also an example of a theme park.

Campgrounds

Campgrounds are one of the best ways to enjoy uninhabited lands. Often times park owners will team up with commercial organizations to help better serve the consumer.

http://www.parksandrecreation.org/2012/April/Public-Private-Partnerships/

casinosMost of America's largest cities have casinos. We all know the popularity Las Vegas has gained by being the casino capital. The big casinos are worth billions of dollars.

Hotels and restaurants Specially themed hotels and restaurants are even included in recreation and tourism.

http://www.jul.com/

Commercial

Recreation:

It's where the money’s at!

Pull out your boots and roll up your pants, because people are working hard in the field of recreation! Russell explains that “The private sector of recreation is extremely profitable” (p.269) and that “in contemporary societies, people are willing (and often eager) to pay for leisure services” (p.264).

The recreation field is very large. From outdoor resource managers to sports therapists, and everything in between.

Commercial leisure organizations sell leisure experiences to make a profit. These places include but are not limited to: resorts, specialty parks, campgrounds, casinos, and even hotels and restaurants.

Provided are links with some great examples of commercial recreation, while looking, I remind you that we aren’t studying recreation for personal enjoyment. We are studying recreation so that we can become professionals in the field. We are here to look at recreation critically and objectively.

Resorts: http://www.travelandleisure.com/slideshows/americas-best-all-inclusive-resorts

Specialty parks: http://www.travelchannel.com/interests/family/articles/top-10-amusement-parks

Campgrounds:http://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-outbound-collective/23-beautiful-american-cam_b_8050738.html

Casinos: http://www.therichest.com/business/economy/the-10-most-profitable-casino-towns-in-america/

Here are some links relating to how the popularity of recreation leads to jobs Theraputic Recreation: https://www.atra-online.com/welcome/the-organization

Outdoor Recreation and Resource Management: https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/anps/anps_5d.htm

Recreational Sports Management: http://www.sports-management-degrees.com/best-sports-management-degree-programs-2014/

Tourism Management: https://www.visittheusa.com/

Public Recreation: http://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/north-america/top-10/top-10-outdoor-family-vacations-in-north-america/

Management: http://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/north-america/top-10/top-10-outdoor-family-vacations-in-north-america/

http://www.indeed.com/q-Recreation-Manager-jobs.html

Commercial recreation is a very profitable industry

The slide show in the following link shows perfectly the amount of revenue that stands to be made from commercial recreation.

https://outdoorindustry.org/pdf/OIA_OutdoorRecEconomyReport2012.pdf

Leisure, and how it relates to my life.

There are tons of emerging opportunities for recreation specialists.

Originally I went to college not knowing if I wanted to study Forestry or Elementary Education. I was into nature, and the environment; but I also wanted to teach children how to be good people. I knew that I wanted to teach children about recycling, and not littering, and respecting the planet. For years and years I intentionally took on jobs and volunteer opportunities that would give me experience and knowledge in those fields.

Upon completing my 2 year degree in Elementary Education, I decided to move across the country. In California I quickly attained an awesome job as a Middle School Assistant.

When the summer time came and school was out, I looked for a job in a summer camp. This is what I had done in previous years as well, only those were in Iowa.

This time I was in California.

I landed myself what I currently consider the best job I’ve ever had. I was the After Hours Director for the California Science Center Summer Camp. I loved the position. However, it was then I realized the power of recreation.

I wanted my boss's job.

And thats why Im here. I

graduate in May with a

degree in Recreation, Park,

and Tourism

Administration.

Leisure is important to me because it is how I plan to make a living. It is how I plan to spend my days, how I plan to express my creativity, and how I plan to live my life.

My current goal is to transition out of child recreation and into adult recreation. I am applying at mostly beach resorts for my summer internship.

Video links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2XZx_2s6uM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkP7-fNxOgU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ujxikp4QbI

Thank you :)