Analysis of the Spatial Distribution of Recreational and Leisure Activities in Shiraz

ABSTRACT
The balanced development of recreational and leisure spaces within urban areas is among the primary concerns of urban planners, aimed at enhancing tourism potential, promoting social vitality, and improving citizens' quality of life. This study seeks to analyze the spatial distribution patterns of recreational and leisure facilities in the city of Shiraz. The data were collected through both documentary and field-based methods. To examine the spatial distribution of recreational activities, the study employed the Nearest Neighbour Index, Kernel Density Estimation, and Standard Deviation Ellipse techniques.. Following a review of the relevant literature, 36 types of recreational and leisure activity sites were identified and categorized across Shiraz. Based on a survey distributed among residents, seven main types of recreational venues—namely, restaurants, coffee shops, cinemas, shopping centers, swimming pools, parks, and sports clubs—were recognized as the most popular destinations for leisure activities in the city. The findings indicate that the spatial distribution of recreational and leisure activities in Shiraz initially followed a centralized pattern, with a major concentration of facilities located in the city center.. Over time, this centralized configuration evolved into a more decentralized pattern, with several smaller recreational clusters emerging in the western and northwestern sectors of Shiraz. Overall, the development of such facilities has been more prominent in the northwestern parts of the city, while the southern and southeastern zones exhibit a lower concentration of recreational and leisure venues.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
The issue of leisure time and the ways it is spent constitutes one of the central dimensions of contemporary urban life.. In Western societies, leisure studies represent one of the earliest branches of the social sciences, with a history spanning over a century.. In today’s world, individuals seek to optimize how they utilize their leisure time. The significance of leisure time primarily lies in its impact on quality of life, as both mental and physical health are influenced by how individuals spend their free time.. Recent approaches emphasize accessibility to activity spaces in relation to the spatial distribution of available facilities within the urban environment. Integrating the Activity Accessibility Index with the Needs-Based Index offers a more comprehensive perspective on the amenities an urban environment can provide to its residents. Due to its central role and significant socio-economic capacities, Shiraz—like other major Iranian metropolises—has long served as a key hub for regional population attraction. Moreover, its rich cultural and historical heritage, strategic geographical location, and favorable climate position it as a prominent destination for both domestic and international tourism. Accordingly, the primary objective of this study is to examine the needs and preferences of Shiraz residents in selecting recreational and leisure spaces across the city.
 
Methodology
This study adopts a descriptive–analytical research approach. For the sampling procedure, the Fishnet random sampling technique was employed using ArcGIS software. In line with the research objectives, following the collection of relevant data and the identification of selected recreational and leisure activity sites, appropriate spatial analysis techniques were applied. Consequently, the Nearest Neighbour Index (NNI), Kernel Density Estimation (KDE), and Standard Deviational Ellipse (SDE) methods were employed for spatial data analysis.
 
 
Results and discussion
A survey conducted among Shiraz residents indicated that restaurants, coffee shops, cinemas, shopping centers, swimming pools, parks, and sports clubs collectively constitute approximately 50% of the city's most popular leisure activities. Spatial analysis reveals that these activities are predominantly concentrated in a limited number of zones, particularly in the city center (Districts 1, 3, and 8) and District 6, with a notable cluster along Dr. Shariati Street (Maali Abad). Restaurants and coffee shops display similar spatial distribution patterns, with clusters situated slightly north of the city’s geometric center. In contrast, cinemas are more strongly concentrated toward the northern edge of the city, adjacent to its administrative boundary. Overall, the Standard Deviational Ellipse (SDE) for commercial–entertainment centers shows the smallest spatial dispersion, whereas the SDE for parks exhibits the largest spatial coverage. Despite variations in quantity, distribution patterns, density, and standard deviation, the spatial orientation of all seven categories of recreational and leisure facilities is consistent. They exhibit a shared northwest–southeast dispersion axis that corresponds with Shiraz’s overall urban morphology and the alignment of its arterial spatial organization. The centers of the Standard Deviational Ellipses for the seven recreational and leisure facility types are not spatially concentrated. Although all are situated within Shiraz’s District 1 and relatively close to the city’s geographic center, they do not lie along a single linear axis. This indicates a non-uniform spatial distribution across the study area. This uneven spatial distribution underscores the need for more equitable leisure infrastructure planning in underserved areas of Shiraz.
 
Conclusion
Understanding how the surrounding environment and the spatial distribution of recreational and leisure spaces influence individuals’ participation in such activities remains an underexplored topic. Inadequate provision of urban recreational and leisure infrastructure leads to public dissatisfaction and diminished quality of urban life. Need-driven urban development—coupled with monitoring technological advancements and engaging with contemporary theoretical frameworks—can address urban challenges through comprehensive and flexible planning that is attuned to the actual needs of both the city and its residents. The spatial configuration of leisure activities in Shiraz generally aligns with the city’s developmental trajectory, expanding predominantly toward the northwest, whereas the southern and southeastern districts remain underserved in terms of access to such facilities.
Shiraz comprises four distinct recreational and leisure zones, each exhibiting a high concentration of related facilities. The largest leisure and recreational hub is situated in central Shiraz, corresponding with the historical urban fabric. Over time, additional, smaller recreational zones have emerged in the western and northwestern parts of the city and continue to expand. These emerging zones have reshaped the formerly centralized spatial structure, indicating a shift toward decentralization. However, this transition remains uneven, as the southern, eastern, and southeastern districts continue to lack sufficient recreational infrastructure and access. To effectively guide the spatial evolution of Shiraz, the three policy instruments—regulation, infrastructure investment, and taxation—must be strategically aligned and internally coherent. In addition to developing recreational spaces that respond to citizens’ needs, attention must be given to ensuring adequate access via public transportation, connectivity to major thoroughfares, and the provision of nearby parking facilities. Linking these centers through transportation corridors—such as metro lines, BRT systems, and multifunctional boulevards—can promote citizen use and enhance the economic viability of such spaces.
 
Funding
There is no funding support.
 
Authors’ Contribution
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
 
Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
 
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.