Near the end of October 2021, we asked Saskatchewan residents their opinion on whether recreation provides access to before and after school programming which supports working families and their child’s success at school.
In particular, men and older adults in Saskatchewan showed the most support for the role recreation plays in childcare and developing leadership skills.
Men are significantly more likely to somewhat or strongly agree at 71% vs 63% of women. Additionally, those who are 55 years or older are more likely to strongly agree (39%), compared to those who are between 35-54 at 27%. Overall, 67% of respondents agreed that recreation provides access to before and after school programs that support their child's success at school.
“Having access to before and after school activities help to engage young people in our community meaningfully. They develop passion for new interests, and start to carve out new futures for themselves. Recreation also gives parents reprieve, and an opportunity to support their children's growth and development as complex and multi-faceted individuals.” - Survey Respondent
We also asked our survey respondents if the recreation and parks industry develops leadership skills in our youth, preparing them for future employment and citizenship. More than half of respondents (62%) agree, and nearly a quarter (23%) strongly agree.
Again we saw that those who are 55 years or older are significantly more likely to strongly agree (30%) with this than those who are younger (19%). Men and women had similar opinions on this question. However, those with children in their household were actually more likely to somewhat disagree, an unexpected result. 10% of those with children somewhat disagree, 13% either somewhat or strongly disagree. Of those without children only 5% somewhat disagree and 7% somewhat or strongly disagree. This surprising difference of opinion deserves further exploration to determine the cause.
"As a young person, I benefited immensely from the recreation and parks industry. I played sports, took art classes, and found lifelong sisterhood through the Girl Guides of Canada. All of these activities prepared me for my current role as an advocate and educator in this community. They gave me the skills necessary to succeed at work, and to make meaningful contributions to my community." - Survey Respondent
Survey Method
804 Saskatchewan residents over the age of 18 were asked to answer questions through an emailed survey during the final week of October 2021. Respondents were sampled by region: north, south, Saskatoon, Regina.
Insightrix’s OnTopic Omnibus survey included respondents from across Saskatchewan. 400 men, 402 women. 145 from the North, 170 from Regina, 177 from Saskatoon and 312 from the South. 247 had children in their household and 71 identified as indigenous. The majority had completed a degree or diploma. 64 respondents made less than $30,000 per year, 159 made more than $120,000, 123 made $30,000 to just under $60,000, 153 made $60,000 to just under $90,000, and 127 made $90,000 to just under $120,000.
For more information on this research, contact:
Nancy Young
Information and Research Consultant
Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association
nyoung@spra.sk.ca
