Has the COVID-19 pandemic led to permanent persistent changes in recreational activity? A case study of a municipal beach

Abstract

Recreational areas in cities deliver numerous social, health and environmental benefits for local communities. They are a desirable element of the urban structure that influences the quality of life. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic, an unprecedented health crisis on a global scale, initially prevented and then significantly limited the use of recreational areas. The pandemic decreased daily activity levels, induced changes in lifestyle and significantly compromised people’s ability to engage in outdoor recreation. In the process of lifting lockdown restrictions, recreational areas play a special role in combatting the consequences of social isolation and restoring access to public spaces. The present study was undertaken to assess the recreational activities of urban dwellers during the COVID-19 crisis. The pandemic’s effect on the leisure behaviour of residents in the Polish city of Olsztyn was evaluated on the example of a sports and recreational centre on Lake Ukiel. The visitor traffic register and the centre’s financial performance were analysed, and a diagnostic survey targeting local residents was conducted online. The results point to a clear decline in the local community’s recreational activities as well as changes in the form and place of recreation.

Landscape Perception and the Importance of Recreation Areas for Students during the Pandemic Time

“…Recreation areas, particularly in cities, bring various benefits, including ecological and social ones [ 15 ]. Access to natural areas and staying outdoors are often associated with mental well-being, which is also confirmed by numerous scientific studies, e.g., Refs.…”

“…Due to the closing down of many facilities and services during the lockdown, many people began to miss physical activity, hence they started to look for alternatives. Outdoor recreation areas made it possible to engage in various forms of activity [ 15 ]. The pandemic thus led to an increased importance of recreation areas [ 50 ].…”

“…During the pandemic, inhabitants choose the less crowded parts of the city for recreation [ 15 ]. In New York City, according to research by Lopes et al, walking lanes, trees, and shading were the key determinants influencing the choice of a recreation area [ 72 ].…”

“…There was a greater need for “indispensable activities”, such as taking the dog for a walk, while non-essential or high-risk activities were limited [ 7 ]. Due the COVID-19 pandemic, many city dwellers in Poland started to buy properties in the suburbs or rural areas [ 15 ].…”

“…The role of public recreation areas in promoting a healthy lifestyle and restoring the physical and mental health of city dwellers was limited during the crisis caused by COVID-19 [ 14 , 15 ]. The response of state governments to the COVID-19 pandemic (lockdown) significantly decreased daily activity levels and restricted access to recreational areas.…”