Jean-Marc Adjizian

Planning and social appropriation of proximal sports facilities: the case of the exterior skating rink project ‘Bleu Blanc Bouge’ in Montreal North

The worldwide obesity epidemic, caused particularly by a lack of daily physical activity, is regrettable. Hence, many recent studies have demonstrated that many elements linked to the layout and appropriation of sports facilities can have a positive effect and lead to the integration of healthy habits. This article aims to analyze, through a case study that took place in a Montreal North neighborhood, the social impacts as well as the effects on the physical fitness of the local population following the building of an outdoor skating rink. This study, based on a mixed design, allows us to demonstrate that the building of proximal sports facilities invites the population to engage in physical activity and renews certain forms of social appropriation and territorial attachment.

Sporting and leisure activities among adolescents: A case study of the spatial planning of the proximity of leisure and sports facilities in rural and suburban territories in Quebec

Quebec, like other Canadian provinces, is dealing with sedentary lifestyle problems affecting its youth. Several recent studies have suggested that good-quality spatial planning regarding recreational and sporting facilities helps to increase the level of physical activity youth undertake. However, this correlation also intermingles with spatial elements linked to the living environments of youth (urban, suburban, and rural), and this study was conducted from this perspective. It aims to analyze the spatial planning quality of recreation and sports facilities in the regional county municipality of Joliette according to youth aged between 12 and 17, and, concomitantly, identify the perceptions of local actors working or involved with youth regarding these spatial planning elements. Through 16 focus groups, this study brings to light the key elements for making the proximity of leisure and sporting venues attractive to adolescents, namely accessibility, animation, and multifunctionality.

Tourism conversion and place branding: the case of the Olympic Park in Montreal

Purpose – Many Olympic cities are faced with the challenge of converting various remaining infrastructures after the Games have been held. These infrastructures, often imposing and highly specialized, require local actors to innovate and engage in an urban renewal process that can be very complex and expensive when trying to give them a second life as tourism sites. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Based on an online survey administered to international travellers (n=5,553) and 36 semi-structured interviews with local stakeholders, this study shows that the Olympic Park, mainly through the stadium, has international recognition. Findings – However, the sustainability and development of these attractions will need a major overhaul with its welcoming amenities and the integration of the surrounding neighbourhoods in the regeneration plan. Originality/value – Among these facilities, we have the Montreal Olympic Stadium, which is often identified as the architectural jewel...

A model for a community leisure initiative analysis

The popularity of community and community development in the social sciences increased during the second half of the twentieth century. Today the continual growth of community development is evident particularly in fields such as leisure studies that are concerned with providing services during periods of economic restraint. Despite the recognized significance of community development, minimal research has been conducted in leisure studies on conceptual and theoretical development. Existing research in leisure and community development emphasizes the importance of a community initiative process. This article presents a model of community leisure initiative that builds on a model published almost two decades ago. Specifically, this model expands beyond the three development approaches of community development – conflict, technical assistance and self-help – with an emphasis on input through ‘felt need’ and outcome through social, physical, organizational and economic impacts.

Exploring rural youth leisure behaviour in Québec: social findings and territorial issues

Recreation and leisure undoubtedly enhance youth’s physical and mental well-being, thereby securing an important position in public policies related to public health and spatial development. Many Canadian municipalities, however, face a lack of participation in organized recreational activities for youth. This paper presents the results of a qualitative research study completed in the region of Lanaudière in Quebéc. The main goals of this research were to identify forms of recreational activities sought by rural youth aged 12–17 years, their needs in terms of leisure, as well as barriers related to their recreational participation. This study shows evidence that issues about economic and geographic accessibility are central to youth’s decisions on recreation and leisure. It also shows that notions of playing and implication should be at the heart of the proposed activities.

Cross-country skiing by Quebecers and where they practice: towards ‘dwelling’ outdoor recreational tourism

ABSTRACT The notions of experience and ownership of practice areas have become central to the interpretation of different contemporary recreational events. The relationship to nature, the ‘wild’ character of certain landscapes or the authentic look of different places are now elements used by the tourism industry to promote various outdoor recreational areas. However, few studies have attempted to investigate this tourism issue through environmental psychology and the ‘dwelling’ concept, which logically comes down to a place of consumption, attachment, identity and social recognition. This article will present, through a quantitative methodological structure centred on a survey using questionnaires conducted among cross-country skiers (n = 829), the type and practical arrangements that influence the perceptual relationships the skier has with his environment.