Physical Activity and Urban Recreation: Evaluating the Role of Municipality-Managed Sports Areas

OpenAlex İngilizce

Aim: This research investigates how municipal recreational sports facilities are perceived in terms of their appropriateness for physical activity, with particular emphasis on user satisfaction levels, patterns of utilization, and socio-demographic characteristicsMethod: Designed as a correlational survey design, the research involved 381 participants who utilized municipal recreational facilities located in the Balıkesir city center. Data were gathered through the Physical Activity Venue Evaluation Scale (PAVES). In the current sample, the instrument exhibited a high level of internal reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = .890).Results: The findings reveal a significant "perceptual gap" in municipal infrastructure; despite the availability of these spaces, 70.1% of participants view them as inadequate. Statistical analysis shows that perceived time adequacy is the most critical factor influencing spatial evaluation (p < .001). Individuals experiencing "time poverty" report significantly lower satisfaction. Interestingly, male participants exhibited higher selectivity (PAVS) and reported more significant obstacles (OPAE) compared to females (p < .01). Variables such as age (p = .952) and educational level (p = .203) did not show significant differences.Conclusion: The results suggest that proximity alone does not ensure accessibility. As the majority of participants engage in activities with family or friends, recreational spaces also operate as key social infrastructures. Therefore, municipal strategies should emphasize qualitative enhancement over numerical expansion, prioritizing functional diversity and time-efficient infrastructure to meet the subjective needs of urban resident.