A Multiparadigm Approach to Developing Policy for the Location of Recreational Facilities

In this paper, we examine the use of soft systems methodology (SSM) for analysing patterns of nonparticipation in recreational sports activities, identifying potential barriers to recreational sports participation and assisting the site location process for new or extended recreational sports facilities. The research reported in this paper was based upon a 1‐year case study in a UK regional sports participation agency. The results of the SSM analysis enabled an enhanced understanding of the nature of recreational sports nonparticipation among differing socio‐economic, age and gender groups. This provided a basis for an analysis of the potential barriers to recreational sports participation. This enabled an informed modelling approach to the location of new or extended recreational sports facilities implemented using a geographical information system. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.