This revised and updated edition reflects the changes that have taken place within the field of leisure and recreation management in recent years. Issues such as social inclusion, cultural strategy, exercise for health have risen to the top of the policy agenda. Commercial pressures, changes in the voluntary and public sector and emerging leisure professions such as sports development and playwork are all profoundly influencing the professional landscape. Leisure and Recreation Management is the only book to cover leisure history, key leisure concepts, trends, provision, management practices and operational issues in one comprehensive volume. Leisure and Cultural Heritage - the social and historic factors shaping current leisure Themes in Leisure, Recreation and Play - understanding leisure as a social Leisure Planning and Provision - in the Public, voluntary and commercial sectors Leisure Products - exploring the key areas of tourism, the countryside, the arts, and sport Leisure Management - principles and practice for leadership, staffing, training, programming, event management, leisure marketing and more Exploring every key concept and innovation, and with more student-friendly textbook features than ever before, Leisure and Recreation Management is essential reading for student and professional interested in the theory and practice of managing leisure and recreation services and facilities.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction, structure and significance of the book 2. Play, children and the community 3. Recreation 4. Leisure - towards a philosophy and understanding of its evolution 5. People's needs and factors that influence participation 6. Trends in the leisure industry 7. Planning for leisure 8. The government and leisure agencies in the United Kingdom 9. Leisure provision in the public sector 10. Leisure provision in the voluntary sector 11. Leisure provision in the commercial sector 12. Management 13. Programming leisure and recreation services and facilities 14. Marketing of leisure and recreation 15. Organisation of major events 16. Staffing and staff structures 17. Leisure and recreation management education and training 18. Towards effective leisure and recreation management: some conclusions.