In May 2010, Mthente Research and Consulting Services, in partnership with Quest Research Services, was commissioned by the Department of Sport, Recreation and Amenities (SRA) of the City of Cape Town to conduct a baseline survey to provide information about the current state of recreation and leisure time activities, as well as access to the usage of available facilities, in the City of Cape Town.

The SRA acknowledges the vital role that sports and recreation activities play in the well-being of the residents of Cape Town’s 23 sub-councils. While previous research has shown that participation levels in physical recreational activities are generally on the decline, a baseline survey has never been conducted into the current situation in the City of Cape Town. Consequently, such a survey will provide a valuable assessment of the state of the sports, recreation and leisure in the city, allowing for the SRA to make critical developments in this field.

The main objective of the research is to guide the SRA in developing its strategy for the recreational programmes and opportunities, facilities and amenities for the residents of the City of Cape Town. The data from the research will aim to include information that will help ensure that the recreational and leisure time needs of Metro residents are met.

The specific objectives of the research study are to:

• Determine the recreation activities and needs of residents, including access to facilities, and barriers to the use of facilities.
• Quantify levels of participation and interest in sport and recreation in communities and determine what the needs are for sports and recreation programmes and facilities.
• Quantify the barriers and enabling factors that will allow for maximum use and benefit of Council facilities and amenities.
• Identify and recommend opportunities for Council / SRA to facilitate and assist community recreation initiatives at Council facilities.
• Recommend an effective strategy for the SRA to influence and attract the inactive population of the City to become more active in informal sport and recreation activities.

These objectives will be met through a series of focus group workshops, stakeholder interviews and a baseline survey with a representative sample of Cape Town residents.