How can communities ensure that outdoor recreation-focused development is not something that happens to them, but rather is something that builds upon community strengths and assets and reflects the needs and wants of its members? What skills, knowledge and tools do communities need to have at their disposal to inspire action and take charge of their future and become more livable, resilient and sustainable? This certificate addresses these questions by examining how communities can build their capacity for change through the outdoor recreation economy and take proactive steps to improve their economic prospects and quality of life. Examples of the many and varied strategies and tools for outdoor recreation development, alongside the various benefits and challenges associated with its implementation, are also examined. Focus is given to community-led and focused economic development, sustainable destination management best practices and the important role that outdoor recreation can play in addressing equity and quality of life issues within marginalized and disadvantaged communities, all of which are central to the creation of resilient and engaged communities.
Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Subject Courses (Asynchronous) | ||
| OREC 5018 | Community and Place Matters | 2 |
| OREC 5008 | Strategies for Resilient Outdoor Recreation Economy Communities | 2 |
| OREC 5010 | Tools for Resilient Outdoor Recreation Economy Communities | 2 |
| OREC 5019 | Building Community Capacity and Readiness for the Outdoor Recreation Economy | 2 |
| Project Course (Synchronous) | ||
| OREC 5011 | Outdoor Recreation Economy Community Economic Development Project | 2 |
| Students must complete the four subject courses before enrolling in the project course. | ||
Learning Outcomes
By the completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Recognize the importance of community and place and their role in building resilient communities.
- Critically evaluate and apply theoretical concepts to real-world examples of building resilient communities through outdoor recreation.
- Communicate the importance of the outdoor recreation economy in the building of sustainable and resilient communities.
- Assess the various strategies through which outdoor recreation can contribute to community economic development and building resilience.
- Assist communities in identifying and implementing appropriate tools to develop the outdoor recreation economy.
- Build community capacity to assist with the implementation of sustainable and resilient outdoor recreation-based community economic development.
- Lead representative, inclusive and meaningful stakeholder participation and engagement processes.
- Communicate and engage with community, industry and government leaders in a professional manner.