Community Recreation Opportunity Planning Process: an alternative planning and management tool : a dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Applied Science at Lincoln University

Abstract

Rural communities often have different community recreation opportunities than urban areas. The aim of this research is to examine one rural community’s recreation opportunities and develop an alternative model for planning and managing these in the future. A qualitative methodology was adopted and key informant interviews were conducted. The key aspects identified as important for the success of, and resulting from, the community recreation opportunities in Tuapeka / Lawrence are: funding; decision-making; volunteering and community participation; social capital; land ownership and propinquity. These themes, alongside community-development and Recreation Opportunity Spectrum principles, led to the development of a model of community recreation processes which highlights the vital links between the community and the local government. By understanding the process that occurs for the planning and provision of community recreation opportunities, integrated and informed decisions can be made. The aim of the model’s development is for use by communities and local governments alike to improve understanding of community recreation provision. This includes ensuring that community recreation is inclusive, accessible to all, affordable and meeting the needs of the community. The combination of community development principles and the ROS (Recreation Opportunity Spectrum) into the Community Recreation Opportunity Planning Process (CROPP) offers a tool for use by local governments, and communities when planning and managing community recreation activities and opportunities.