Recreational Choices: The Value of Education as Part of Leisure Programming

Mary F. Fortune¹, Chris Chamberlain¹, Melany Spielman¹, Sylvie Tjoei² 
(1. Hospitality, Recreation & Tourism Department, California State University, USA; 2. College of Science California State University, USA)

Abstract: The Recreational Choice study was developed to measure customer preference of leisure programs offered by a Parks and Community Services Department located in the East Bay, California. More females than males responded to the survey (69%) and findings suggest that education gained is a contributing factor for the amount of money participants are willing to spend on a recreation program regardless of age, sex, and education level (69%). Those with higher degrees (82%) placed importance on learning than those with less education. Among the higher education, 37% with two kids under 18-favored education gained. Participants were also willing to drive farther to ensure the needs of their children were met, which spoke to the value of learning as a component of leisure.

Key words: parks and recreation, leisure, education