Abstract
Public recreation in rural areas is often a key factor in fighting the devitalization of small municipalities. Additionally, recreational activities support youth in their identity and social development, for instance through generated social interactions. Based on a qualitative case study conducted in Quebec, this research seeks to identify the needs and sought-after forms of recreational activities for youth living in rural areas according to local stakeholders and parents, and, simultaneously, to estimate land management, governance, and social actions that will improve the recreational offer already in place. Results show that the interviewed stakeholders are aware of the merits of leisure for youth and acknowledge the need to take action to enhance recreational services and to make practice areas more accessible. In addition, they all believe that encouraging youth to get involved in their communities to make their living environments even more dynamic and attractive is essential.
Recommended Citation
Roult, Romain, Denis Auger, Chantal Royer, and Jean-Marc Adjizian. 2016. "Recreational Needs and Practices of Youth Living in Rural Areas in Quebec: Views and Concerns of Stakeholders and Parents." Journal of Rural Social Sciences, 31(1): Article 2. Available at: https://egrove.olemiss.edu/jrss/vol31/iss1/2
Publication Date
4-30-2016
