... Furthermore recreational activities are recognized as ways of developing a childs social, decision-making, and problem solving skills. Effects Of Parks And Recreation Services On Human Development And Other Benefits) related factor is that leadership qualities are positively influenced by recreational activities and sports. Participating in sport allows the child to develop and learn leadership abilities in a relaxed and informal way. Psychologists point out that play and recreation are the very foundations of a child's natural development. However this aspect is also dependent on the factors such as the organization of leisure time and the facilities and equipment that are available. In this regard the planning of recreation areas is an extremely important aspect.

Recreational faculties have to be carefully planned with regards to their situation and to ensure that they are accessible to children. If this is not the case, and if the faculties are for example situated at a distance from the children's school or residence, then this can be a serious barrier the full utilization of these resources. This point is empathized in various studies.

A designing sites and facilities it is important to put the right kinds in the right places. Site planning is essential if conflicts between different users, and between users and the landscape setting and wildlife, are to be minimized. Difficult or costly management and maintenance activities also have...

An aspect that should be mentioned and which is assuming increasing importance is a the alarming increase in obesity amongst school-going children. "Federal health agencies say that 55% of American adults, 13.6% of school children and 8% of pre-school children are overweight -- 107-million people in all." (Wetzstein, C. 1998). This is also indicative of the importance of physical exercise and recreational sport in the health of children.
Parents, educational authorities and the government however must ensure that sufficient planning is undertaken to ensure that recreational facilities are well structured, monitored and easily accessible to all.

Bibliography

Bell, Simon. Design for Outdoor Recreation. London: Spon Press, 1997.

Effects Of Parks And Recreation Services On Human Development And Other benefits. October 10, 2005. (http://www.cityofsacramento.org/parksandrecreation/ppdd/benefits-effects.htm)

Nash, Jay B. Philosophy of Recreation and Leisure. St. Louis, MO C.V. Mosby, 1953.

Wetzstein, C. America's Quiet Epidemic. Insight on the News, 1998. 14, 41.