I
TM 5403-12
CHAPTER 4
SELECTION OF RECREATION ACTIVITIES
41. General.
ious recreation activities.
c. Economics. The economic approach uses the
The selection of recreation activities is based on
available economic base or fiscal resources to
an analysis of supply and demand. Demand is
determine the quantities and types of recreation
the expressed or perceived needs and desires of
possible.
the population. Supply is the existing recreation
d. Behavioral. The behavioral approach fo-
areas and facilities which satisfy that demand.
cuses on recreation as an experience. It uses
In economics, a "market area" is a geographic
human behavior in leisure settings to determine
area of supply and demand for commodities. In
the types of recreation possible.
this manual, however, it is used to describe a
All of these approaches are valid in recreation
geographic area of supply and demand for one
planning. However, the use of any single ap-
or more types of outdoor recreation. It is im-
proach, to the exclusion of the others, precludes
portant that the Morale and Welfare Recreation
a thorough understanding of the determinants
Manager determine the geographic boundaries
of recreation supply and demand. An ideal sup-
of his `market area and understand the current -L
ply and demand analysis considers, to the extent
supply and demand of outdoor recreation re-
possible based on available information, all as-
sources within it. If supply fails to satisfy de-
pects represented by these approaches (fig 4-1).
mand, existing recreation must be increased,
expanded or renewed. On this basis, a selection
of recreation activities can be made.
4-4. Determination of market
area.
4-2. Statewide Comprehensive
In order to determine supply and demand, first
Outdoor Recreation Plans
describe the market area. The market is based
(SCORPs).
on the population to whom recreation is avail-
SCORPS, which can be obtained from the state
able.
agency administering parks and recreation, pro-
a. User population. Normally, the user pop-
vide useful background information for recre-
ulation for recreation is based on existing and
ation planning. SCORPs contain data on the
projected populations within a given geographic
locations and types of existing and projected
area. On Army installations, the user population
recreation throughout the state. They also pro-
is limited to active military and civilian person-
vide data concerning existing and projected rec-
nel and their dependents and to others as deemed
reation participation. This data makes a useful
appropriate by the installation commander. Use
basis of comparison for installation recreation
data collected for installation demographics to
participation which in turn aids in forecasting
determine total numbers of population eligible
trends and determining demand.
for participation in installation recreation. In-
dicate the priority of participation for each group
4-3. Approaches.
as defined in ARs 215-1 and 215-2.
b. Population composition. A number of fac-
There are numerous approaches to analyzing
tors influence which individuals participate in
recreation supply and demand. Generally, these
recreation. One set of factors encompasses the
approaches can be categorized as follows:
socioeconomic characteristics of the popula-
a. Resource. The resource approach is based
tion. Compare the characteristics of the instal-
on the natural or physical resources available
lation population with those of the general
for outdoor recreation. The resources regulate
population described in the SCORP or other rec-
the quantities and types of recreation possible.
reation planning guidelines and note any sig-
Supply determines demand by limiting use to
nificant differences. These factors include:
the human or natural carrying capacity of the
( 1 ) Age. Age influences the participant's
resource.
recreation selection, particularly when recrea-
b. Activity. This approach uses the record of
tion activities require significant physical
past participation (usually attendance ) in rec-
strength and/or dexterity.
reation to determine what future opportunities
(2) Sex. In the past, sex greatly influenced
should be provided. Supply determines demand
the participant's recreation selection. However,
by defining the participant's preference for var-
4-1
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