CEWIL Resource Hub: Applied Research Project at Brock University

Students work in groups with nearby municipalities to solve recreation-related planning issues using an eight-step planning process. The issues are specific, real-time, and related to the provision of community recreation and parks, and they are identified by the municipalities. As part of the process, students facilitate a community consultation and combine the information gathered with academic literature to write a report with recommendations. The report is then delivered to the municipality to inform its decision making.

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Key success factors

  • A community experience facilitator was hired to assist with the overall planning project.
  • The project features a strong alignment between theoretical and practical learning for students. The opportunity to apply the theory of planning in a real-world community context allows students to develop or enhance their consensus building, facilitation, report writing, networking, and communication skills, as well as their awareness of the political nature of recreation planning in a municipal context.
  • The planning project strengths the connections between the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies and local municipalities.

Unique characteristics

  • In addition to writing reports that have aided the municipal planning process, students have presented to municipal councils and committees as part of their projects.

Challenges

  • There are some political challenges related to implementing student projects, as the  priorities of municipal governments can change quickly. In the past, presentations to city council have been cancelled and/or rescheduled because of overarching politics related to planning and development. With that said, this challenge is part of the learning process, as it reinforces the political nature of recreation.

Resources

  • Type: Applied Research Project
  • Year program was established: 2012
  • Number of students per year: 25-38
  • Number of employers/partners per year: 1
  • Programs/academic disciplines participating: Recreation and Leisure Studies degree program with a concentration in Community
  • Recreation, or with permission from instructor
  • Duration of experience: one academic term
  • Submitted by: Ty Bolibruck