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Conejo Recreation & Park District Master Plan Section II <br />c. Improves Quality of Life, including Self -Esteem, Personal and Spiritual -Growth, and <br />Life Satisfaction <br />Leisure activity participation emerged as the strongest contributor to the life <br />satisfaction of older females. (Riddick and Stewart, 2001) <br />When researching the link between green space and health, in a greener <br />environment people report fewer health complaints, more often rate themselves <br />as being in good health, and have better mental health. (Sherer, 2003) - <br />Increased importance on leisure goals enhanced the positive psychological well <br />being for women who had become homemakers after having been employed, <br />men who had experienced recent or long-term illnesses, and men who had <br />married. Leisure can be both a cause and an effect of psychological well-being. <br />(Iwasaki and Smale, 1998) <br />The experience of leisure enhances and reflects the quality of life or well-being of <br />both the individual and the society of which she or he is a part. (Freysinger, <br />2001) <br />• Improved mental engagement, increased self-awareness, and clarification of <br />values- all gained through introspection, creative engagement ent and expression of <br />spiritual renewal- are some of the scientifically documented outdoor recreation <br />benefits that develop and enhance social systems. (Driver et al., 1991) <br />• Nine out of ten outdoor recreation participants express satisfaction with their <br />personal health and fitness while the six out of ten who don't participate are <br />unsatisfied with their personal health and fitness. (ARC, 2000) <br />• Close to half of those who participate in recreation several'times a week say they <br />are "completely satisfied with the quality of their lives," compared to just one <br />quarter of non -participants. (ARC, 2000) <br />2. The Social Benefits of Recreation <br />Strengthens Communities <br />a. Reduces Crime <br />Park like surroundings increase neighborhood safety by relieving mental fatigue <br />and feelings of violence and aggression that can occur as an outcome of fatigue. <br />(American Planning Association, 2003) <br />• Residents who live near outdoor greenery are more familiar with their nearby <br />neighbors, socialize more with them, and expressed greater feelings of <br />community and safety than did residents lacking nearby green spaces. <br />(American Planning Association, 2003) <br />11-16 June 2, 2011 <br />