Tracing the Historical Plays of Power in Alberta’s Recreation System

When we research the knowledge of the past, we also research the conditions of possibility for different futures (Foucault, 2003; Peers, 2015). Therefore, the purpose of this research project is to use the traces of the past to question the practices that have come to be naturalized within Alberta’s recreation system (e.g., providing pay-per-use recreation opportunities in big box facilities). Using an intensive archival research process, as well as a series of ongoing community conversations, we hope to uncover what is problematic and dangerous in recreation’s practices and discourses. In doing so, we hope to learn how recreation professionals specifically, and society more broadly, might think about and practice recreation differently.

Faculty Supervisor:

Maria Mayan

Student:

Lisa Tink

Partner:

Canadian Playground Safety Institute

Discipline:

Epidemiology / Public health and policy

Sector:

Medical devices

University:

University of Alberta