THE NEED FOR SUSTAINING URBAN BEACHES AND SHORELINES

摘要

Our urban agglomerates (over 10,000,000 residents) continue to grow (UN, 2000) and it is reasonable to assume that future population growth will continue to expand our urban areas. The already crowded beaches and shores where residents flock to find much needed recreation will become even more overcrowded and will have an urgent need for expansion. Sociological concepts suggest that the need for recreation grows as the density of population increases. If this continues, we expect an ever-increasing demand for urban recreation and especially urban beaches and shores in urban environments. This will include the shores of lakes and rivers, bays and estuaries, as well as ocean coastlines. Many urban areas can address these demands for open space by restoring and reopening their shoreline for recreation, open space, and public use. (Magoon & Ewing, 2000). Beaches and shores provide important elements for the physical and mental well being of the people (Magoon and Edge, 1998). Their proximity to great centers of population provides an opportunity for wholesome and necessary rest and relaxation not otherwise available. Their use as viable areas for recreation relieves some of the pressures on crowded parks and wilderness areas and provides an incentive to restore natural beaches and shores long forgotten in urban areas.