News and Events
Alumnus ensures 2013 U.S. Open goes off without a hitch
As did most fledgling golfers in the mid-1990s, Penn State alumnus Sean Palmer grew up admiring Tiger Woods, one of the most successful golfers in the history of the sport. So when, decades later, Woods arrived at the Merion Golf Club on the outskirts of Philadelphia to practice for the U.S. Open (set to take place at the club from June 13 to 16), Palmer -- now a first assistant golf professional -- was more than pleased. Read more about Sean Palmer and the 2013 U.S. Open.
Neighborhood park renovations enhance visitor behaviors and experiences
Renovating public parks enhances visitor behaviors and experiences, according to researchers at Penn State, who surveyed park visitors in Allentown, Pa., about their use of a neighborhood park after it was renovated.
"It may seem obvious that park renovations benefit communities, but funders are increasingly demanding more scientific evidence, beyond anecdotal stories, that demonstrate the impact of park renovations," said Andrew Mowen, associate professor of recreation, park and tourism management. "Such information can help state and local government agencies assess the value of their financial investments in parks."
The researchers examined visitor perceptions of a major capital renovation that was completed at Allentown's 110-acre Cedar Creek Parkway in 2010. Renovations to this park included building a 25,000-square-foot destination playground, paving the multi-purpose trails, installing new exercise stations, refurbishing the flower garden, upgrading picnic areas and improving stream quality with a riparian buffer.
Read the full story, Neighborhood park renovations enhance visitor behaviors and experiences.
Coming to America: Understanding Cultural Adjustment Among Immigrants
When Svitlana Iarmolenko first came to the United States in 2008 to attend a master's degree program at East Carolina University, she figured she'd make new friends just as easily as she'd done back home in Ukraine. But rather than drawing in potential pals, she seemed to be pushing them away. more >>
Playfulness may help adults attract mates, study finds
Why do adults continue to play throughout their lives while most other mature mammals cease such behavior? According to researchers at Penn State, playfulness may serve an evolutionary role in human mating preferences by signaling positive qualities to potential long-term mates. "Humans and other animals exhibit a variety of signals as to their value as mates," said Garry Chick, professor and head of the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Management. "Just as birds display bright plumage or coloration, men may attract women by showing off expensive cars or clothing. In the same vein, playfulness in a male may signal to females that he is nonaggressive and less likely to harm them or their offspring. A woman's playfulness, on the other hand, may signal her youth and fertility." more >>
Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management APG Builds New Board
The Recreation, Park and Tourism Management Affiliate Program Group (RPTM APG) has a new board of directors that is working to reinvigorate existing programs and develop new ones that both connect RPTM alumni with each other and with the RPTM department. Read more about the RPTM APG Board.
Americans fall short of federal exercise recommendations
Americans spend, on average, only about two hours each week participating in sports and fitness activities, according to researchers at Penn State and the University of Maryland who examined U.S. government data from the American Time Use Study. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults aged 18 to 64 get about four hours of physical activity each week by exercising moderately for 2.5 hours per week and engaging in a vigorous activity, such as running and muscle strengthening, for an hour and fifteen minutes per week. "The United States is the fattest country in the world," said Geoffrey Godbey, professor emeritus of recreation, park and tourism management, Penn State. "The amount of exercise Americans get has become a major concern." more >>
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