Well-being, social and economic value of aquatic and leisure centres: A holistic model

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Title

Annals of Leisure Research

ISSN

11745398

Volume

31

Publisher

Taylor and Francis

School

School of Business and Law

RAS ID

31995

Funders

Industry Collaboration Grant between Edith Cowan University, Parks and Leisure Australia, Leisure Institute of Western Australia Aquatics

Comments

Stanway, A. R., Powell, R., Fradd, L., & Sibson, R. (2022). Well-being, social and economic value of aquatic and leisure centres: A holistic model. Annals of Leisure Research, 25(2), 227-246. https://doi.org/10.1080/11745398.2020.1787183

Abstract

© 2020 Australia and New Zealand Association of Leisure Studies. Aquatic and leisure centres (ALCs) are important community spaces that contribute to the health and well-being of users, and to the economy, yet the actual value of the facilities and services provided is difficult to measure. In order to quantify the value of ALCs, the authors developed a well-being (reduced risk of chronic disease, mental illness and drowning, and improved productivity), social (educational uplift and volunteer hours supported) and economic (Gross Value Add and employment) value model. Using a sample of Western Australian ALCs, the well-being and social value component of the model indicates that, on average, an ALC provides $1.79m in overall well-being and social value; while from an economic perspective, generates $1.03m in direct GVA and 34 direct jobs. As key players in planning for healthier and happier communities, the current model empowers ALC practitioners to articulate the holistic value of an individual ALC.

DOI

10.1080/11745398.2020.1787183

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