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RECREATION FEATURE

ACADEMY OF LEISURE SCIENCES AFRICA

The Academy of Leisure Sciences Africa was formed in 2016
by Maliga Naidoo as a consultancy to the public service and
to promote education and management in parks, playgrounds

and recreation facilities. Ms. Naidoo is also one of the founding
members and president of the Leisure and Recreation Association
of South Africa (LARASA), a professional association for

recreation and leisure graduates. She has recently contributed
Maliga Naidoo, director of the a chapter entitled Leisure in Africa, included in a book called
Academy of Leisure Sciences
Leisure Matters, which is used as a recommended text.

eisure is a public service provision for
all citizens, and the many benefits of
Lparks and recreation contribute to
the economy, community, individuals and
environmental stewardship. In South Africa,
recreation and sport services are managed
by the public service but are sadly neglected.
With the country facing a high burden of
disease, government should be investing
in healthy alternatives to improve quality of
life, and one way to achieve this is to create
sustainable outdoor parks and recreation
spaces for physical activity.
Covid-19 pandemic
The Covid-19 pandemic further compounded
the demands on an already overburdened
healthcare system. The countrywide
lockdown included the closure of sport
and recreation facilities, parks, open spaces,
restaurants, domestic and international
travel, and entertainment. The combination
of the pandemic, together with strict
legislated regulations, had a devasting effect
on peoples’ health and mental wellbeing.
During the past two years, people explored
creative ways to be physically active, to stay
in contact with family and friends and seek
entertainment whilst working from home.
The global trend during these challenging
times saw people use neighbourhood
roads and pavements, parks and nearby
open spaces for physical activity. It took a
pandemic for some people to appreciate
green outdoor spaces to fight cabin fever.
Parks, public spaces and green infrastructure
are vital community assets to support health
equity, promote environmental sustainability
and social cohesion. The provision of quality
parks in residential areas make cities healthier
places and promotes outdoor activity.
Covid-19 drew attention to the fact that
most municipalities lacked the capacity
and infrastructure to revitalise open spaces
when regulations were eased and people
started to access parks. It is now necessary for
municipalities to revisit, redesign and restore
A trail along the Eerste River in Stellenbosch. Studies have shown that water elements are therapeutic for access to public spaces to help rejuvenate the
health and well-being human spirit. South African authorities were
n

Landscape SA • Issue 121 2023 17