RPTA 154: Design in Recreation, Park + Tourism Facilities

Cities are now primarily places for entertainment, recreation, tourism and retail. Manufacturing, once the main revenue source American cities, has been replaced by industries that appeal to resident and visitor needs of "play." This live/work/play triad has become the model for new residential developments in urban areas, with recreational space key to the popularity and success of the development. Recreation leaders and professionals need to be aware of the potential of their industries to drive urban renewal. Urban design theories such as New Urbanism, Transit-Oriented Development and the Ahwahnee Principles, as well as concepts such as the Creative Class and the Third Place movement, all relate directly or indirectly to recreation and tourism.

San Jose's Santana Row replaced a dying mall with an open-air shopping center that has recreational public space in the middle of a "European Street." There is a hotel, several restaurants, and above all of the shops are condominiums, so people actually live in this location. It's combined elements of Disneyland's theming, European city design and American mall development.

Official Course Description: Focuses on principles and practices involved in recreation and park facility planning and design, with emphasis on master planning, design standards and criteria, and effective use of natural resources. Design theories and concepts are explored in relation to architecture and urban planning, and the position of recreation facilities within the overall urban plan is emphasized. Examines principles and practices relating to development and implementation of a maintenance and operation plan for recreation, park and tourism facilities.

Photo Credit: G. B. C. Shaw

Department of Recreation, Parks & Tourism Administration Home Page

RPTA 180: Foundations of Commercial Recreation

Commercial Recreation (and the related industries of Hospitality and Tourism) is how the department teaches recreation management for private, for-profit companies and corporations. Unlike courses in government, community or recreation resource (outdoor recreation), commercial recreation courses involve several aspects of aggressive business marketing and profit-making strategies. Agencies that fall in this category include resorts, hotels, theme parks, casinos, restaurants, cruise lines, event planning companies, airlines, waterparks, and travel agencies. Tourism is the fastest growing sector of commercial recreation, but also the most complicated. Hospitality includes lodging and restaurants, and is often paired with the casino industry to make destination properties in locations like Las Vegas and Macau. Retail is also more frequently using commercial recreation techniques to turn shopping centers into full-scale destinations with lodgning facilities and a tourist appeal.

Official Course Description: Overview of the historical and philosophical foundations of the commercial recreation field. Identification of providers of commercial recreation goods and services. Analyzes current functions and trends in the operation of commercial leisure enterprises.This course is the prerequisite for RPTA 185.RPTA 180 is an introductory course to other commercial recreation courses, and should be taken as early as possible. This course is offered in the fall only.

Photo Credit: G. B. C. Shaw

Department of Recreation, Parks & Tourism Administration Home Page

RPTA 182: Travel and Tourism

The Union Oyster House in Boston is the US's oldest continually operating restaurant. Needless to say, with that distinction, it's one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. Boston uses its history and geography to promote itself. Its age and careful preservation of sites and buildings important to the American Revolution make it desirable to Americans, and its small size geographically make it easy to walk - hence the tag line, "America's Walking City." Boston has also carefully avoided separating its history from its contemporary buildings, giving the history a "living" appearance. History is a natural draw to tourists, but tourism can easily destroy most aspects of history in a location with tacky souvenir shops, poorly done guided tours, too many strollers and the conversion of historic structures into retail centers.

Learning to successfully promote a city to tourists means balancing authenticity against the necessary marketing and management aspects of handling large numbers of people.

Official Course Description: Examination of the history, significance and nature of travel and tourism in the world with emphasis on the United States. Analyzes economic, cultural and social factors underlying development and growth of travel and tourism and a review of related research. Identification and description of travel and tourism service providers including their organization, financing and management practices.

This elective is offered in the spring only. It partners well with RPTA 184: Hospitality Administration.

Photo Credit: G. B. C. Shaw
Department of Recreation, Parks & Tourism Administration Home Page