Landmark research shows the economic and health benefits of aquatic and recreation centres

New research investigating the health, economic and community benefits delivered by local aquatic and recreation centres has implications for all levels of government, according to co-author Dr John Tower of the College of Sport and Exercise Science at Victoria University.

Dr Tower who, along with Dr Gary Howat of the Centre for Tourism & Leisure Management at the University of South Australia (UniSA), presented findings from the Economic and Health Benefits Project - Community Aquatic and Recreation Centres at the Aquatic and Recreation Institute’s 50th Annual Conference this week believes that the research has particular implications for all levels of government decision making, as the results provide insights that can positively affect centre operations, programs, marketing, and design.

Dr Tower explains “making the right decisions will impact on the quality of the visitor experience, participant retention rates and ultimately provide better health, social and economic outcomes for Australian communities.”

The Project was supported by Sport and Recreation Victoria as the major funding partner and project managed by Aquatics and Recreation Victoria on behalf of the Australian Leisure Facilities Association (ALFA), with significant and productive collaboration between Victoria University, the University of South Australia, the YMCA Victoria and the City of Greater Geelong.

Key Findings

• Health and fitness is the key benefit that prompts all age groups to use their local aquatic and recreation centre, but for 15 to 29 year olds lack of confidence can hold them back, for those between 30 to 49 years of age, free time is their major constraint and the risk of injury or being ill makes those over 50 more cautious about participating.

• Aquatic and recreation centres are providing programs, facilities and services that are contributing to better community health as users tend to visit centres three or more times a week (exceeding the pattern of most Australians), spend 60 to 90 minutes per visit and feel that their centre helps them remain healthy, have fewer sick days and be more productive in work/life.

• All users of aquatic and recreation centres were more likely to increase their participation if they enjoyed the activity and could see the value and personal benefit of their exercise, with most having a positive attitude about the cost involved.

• Users value the personal benefits they receive at $48 each time they use their centre, producing an average of $38 million in personal benefits per medium sized centre.

• For every dollar spent by a centre delivering services, $8 in personal benefits is returned.

• Over 80% of centre income comes from three program areas: learn to swim, group fitness classes/health club memberships and recreational swimming; with 80% of centre memberships taken out by local residents.

• Delivery costs for these main program areas accounted for only 25% of total expenditure, producing operational profit levels that support other major centre administration, management and operational costs.

• Aquatic and recreation centres have a positive economic impact with 70% of all income provided by local community participation, while significant local expenditure is generated through the use of local companies and employment of those who live locally.

• However, there are some sobering findings that indicate that aquatic and recreation centres do not attract an even cross-section of their local community, with limited participation from lower socio-economic groups and those with lower levels of education or qualifications.

• With only 2% of expenditure allocated to programs and services for community development or specific population groups, centre goals and vision statements do not always line up clearly with allocated spending to address the social needs of the local community.

Findings from the Project will be presented in a series of features in upcoming issues of Australasian Leisure Management magazine.

Click here for more information.

21st May 2014 - LANDMARK RESEARCH INTO ECONOMIC AND HEALTH BENEFITS OF AQUATIC AND RECREATION FACILITIES