Social problems that limit participation in recreation activities among rural residents

Rural residents are often impacted by social problems within their communities that can negatively affect their health and recreation participation. The purpose of this paper was to examine community leaders’ perceptions of the challenges to implementing recreation programs for residents living in a Western rural community in the United States that promote positive health and well-being. Semi-structured interviews with community leaders were used to examine the study’s purpose. The findings indicated that not having affordable recreation opportunities, racial tensions and a heightened sense of apathy affected the recreation patterns of community residents. However, the community leaders felt that addressing these social problems could improve the recreation opportunities and the health of the residents.