Research Article

Physical Activity and Urban Recreation: Evaluating the Role of Municipality-Managed Sports Areas

Volume: 12 Number: 1 July 3, 2026
TR EN

Physical Activity and Urban Recreation: Evaluating the Role of Municipality-Managed Sports Areas

Abstract

Aim: This research investigates how municipal recreational sports facilities are perceived in terms of their appropriateness for physical activity, with particular emphasis on user satisfaction levels, patterns of utilization, and socio-demographic characteristics Method: Designed as a correlational survey design, the research involved 381 participants who utilized municipal recreational facilities located in the Balıkesir city center. Data were gathered through the Physical Activity Venue Evaluation Scale (PAVES). In the current sample, the instrument exhibited a high level of internal reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = .890). Results: The findings reveal a significant "perceptual gap" in municipal infrastructure; despite the availability of these spaces, 70.1% of participants view them as inadequate. Statistical analysis shows that perceived time adequacy is the most critical factor influencing spatial evaluation (p < .001). Individuals experiencing "time poverty" report significantly lower satisfaction. Interestingly, male participants exhibited higher selectivity (PAVS) and reported more significant obstacles (OPAE) compared to females (p < .01). Variables such as age (p = .952) and educational level (p = .203) did not show significant differences. Conclusion: The results suggest that proximity alone does not ensure accessibility. As the majority of participants engage in activities with family or friends, recreational spaces also operate as key social infrastructures. Therefore, municipal strategies should emphasize qualitative enhancement over numerical expansion, prioritizing functional diversity and time-efficient infrastructure to meet the subjective needs of urban resident.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

This research received no external funding.

Ethical Statement

This study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Ethical approval for the research was granted by the Balıkesir University Health Sciences Non-Interventional Research Ethics Committee on February 13, 2024 (Protocol No: 2024/8).

Thanks

The authors would like to express their sincere appreciation to all participants for their valuable contributions to this study. Their insights and experiences regarding municipality-managed sports facilities provided essential data for evaluating the relationship between physical activity and urban recreation. The authors also extend their gratitude to the local authorities for their cooperation and support during the data collection process.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Sports Activity Management, Sports and Recreation

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

July 3, 2026

Submission Date

February 11, 2026

Acceptance Date

June 15, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 12 Number: 1

APA
Özdayı, N., Deniz, Y., Akbal, M., & Kilci, A. K. (2026). Physical Activity and Urban Recreation: Evaluating the Role of Municipality-Managed Sports Areas. International Journal of Sport Exercise and Training Sciences - IJSETS, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.18826/useeabd.1885690
AMA
1.Özdayı N, Deniz Y, Akbal M, Kilci AK. Physical Activity and Urban Recreation: Evaluating the Role of Municipality-Managed Sports Areas. Int J Sport, Exerc & Train Sci. 2026;12(1). doi:10.18826/useeabd.1885690
Chicago
Özdayı, Nahit, Yılmaz Deniz, Murat Akbal, and Alp Kaan Kilci. 2026. “Physical Activity and Urban Recreation: Evaluating the Role of Municipality-Managed Sports Areas”. International Journal of Sport Exercise and Training Sciences - IJSETS 12 (1). https://doi.org/10.18826/useeabd.1885690.
EndNote
Özdayı N, Deniz Y, Akbal M, Kilci AK (July 1, 2026) Physical Activity and Urban Recreation: Evaluating the Role of Municipality-Managed Sports Areas. International Journal of Sport Exercise and Training Sciences - IJSETS 12 1
IEEE
[1]N. Özdayı, Y. Deniz, M. Akbal, and A. K. Kilci, “Physical Activity and Urban Recreation: Evaluating the Role of Municipality-Managed Sports Areas”, Int J Sport, Exerc & Train Sci, vol. 12, no. 1, July 2026, doi: 10.18826/useeabd.1885690.
ISNAD
Özdayı, Nahit - Deniz, Yılmaz - Akbal, Murat - Kilci, Alp Kaan. “Physical Activity and Urban Recreation: Evaluating the Role of Municipality-Managed Sports Areas”. International Journal of Sport Exercise and Training Sciences - IJSETS 12/1 (July 1, 2026). https://doi.org/10.18826/useeabd.1885690.
JAMA
1.Özdayı N, Deniz Y, Akbal M, Kilci AK. Physical Activity and Urban Recreation: Evaluating the Role of Municipality-Managed Sports Areas. Int J Sport, Exerc & Train Sci. 2026;12. doi:10.18826/useeabd.1885690.
MLA
Özdayı, Nahit, et al. “Physical Activity and Urban Recreation: Evaluating the Role of Municipality-Managed Sports Areas”. International Journal of Sport Exercise and Training Sciences - IJSETS, vol. 12, no. 1, July 2026, doi:10.18826/useeabd.1885690.
Vancouver
1.Nahit Özdayı, Yılmaz Deniz, Murat Akbal, Alp Kaan Kilci. Physical Activity and Urban Recreation: Evaluating the Role of Municipality-Managed Sports Areas. Int J Sport, Exerc & Train Sci. 2026 Jul. 1;12(1). doi:10.18826/useeabd.1885690