Building Resilient Communities
Impact communities of all kinds.
The Building Resilient Communities through Outdoor Recreation certificate examines how communities can build their capacity for change and take proactive steps to improve their economic prospects and quality of life through outdoor recreation.
Courses in this certificate will examine examples of the many and varied strategies and tools for outdoor recreation development, alongside the various benefits and challenges associated with its implementation. Particular 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.
This certificate can be taken as a standalone offering or as part of the Master of Science in Outdoor Recreation Economy program.
Outdoor recreation and access to the outdoors are increasingly recognized as vital components of healthy, resilient communities. Whether urban, suburban or rural, communities of all kinds are turning to the outdoor recreation economy for various reasons. In the rural context, communities undergoing a just transition from previous extractive industries are looking for opportunities to elevate their local economies and provide a future for the next generation. In suburban and urban communities, the ability for parks and open space to contribute to climate change resilience, reduce urban heat island effects and improve community health outcomes have led to significant reinvestment in our public spaces and community life.
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 in order to inspire action and take charge of their future and become more livable, resilient and sustainable?
At the end of this certificate, you should be able to:
- recognize the importance of community and place and their role in building resilience,
- communicate the importance of the outdoor recreation economy in the building of sustainable and resilient communities,
- critically evaluate the various strategies through which outdoor recreation can contribute to community economic development and building resilience,
- assist communities in identifying and implementing appropriate strategies and tools to develop the outdoor recreation economy,
- apply community leadership and visioning skills that can assist with the implementation of sustainable and resilient outdoor recreation-based community economic development,
- lead and engage representative, inclusive and meaningful stakeholder participation and engagement processes,
- identify various sources of funding to assist communities with outdoor recreation development,
- recognize and champion the role that outdoor recreation can play in addressing issues of diversity, equity, inclusivity, and justice in all communities,
- critically evaluate and apply theoretical concepts to real-world examples of building resilient communities through outdoor recreation; and,
- communicate and engage with community, industry and government leaders in a professional manner.
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Course Descriptions
Visit the University Catalog for a complete summary of the program as well as its requirements, course descriptions and learning outcomes.