Para onde ir após o carnaval? análise dos espaços públicos de lazer em Orlândia-SP

Abstract

This study addresses, from a geographical perspective, the issue of urban leisure, its importance, access to it, and its socio-spatial influences in the context of Orlândia-SP. Understanding public spaces as places that sustain the socio-spatial practice of leisure on a daily basis serves as an important tool for comprehending urban dynamics and the process of (re)production of urban space. Thus, the main objective was to understand how leisure practices relate to public spaces in the city of Orlândia-SP. The specific objectives were: to define a concept for public leisure spaces; to identify public leisure spaces in Orlândia; to characterize these spaces according to their location, state of conservation, and level of activity; to understand the perceptions and needs of the population regarding public leisure; and to contribute to discussions and studies on public spaces and leisure practices in non-metropolitan realities. To achieve this, we employed methodological approaches from Henry Lefebvre and Milton Santos to investigate the influences and interactions between humans and space from a dialectical perspective. In this sense, spatial forms were analyzed through bibliographic research and official municipal data on public leisure spaces in Orlândia, reflecting the spatial conceptions developed by local authorities. The uses and functions of these spaces were examined through direct field observations, allowing us to understand the lived spaces and the ways in which users appropriate them. Additionally, the population's perception of public leisure spaces was assessed through 107 questionnaires administered to city residents. The field research results indicate that public leisure spaces still play a relevant role in Orlândia’s urban dynamics, being primarily used by children and teenagers for sports activities and by elderly individuals for social interactions. Regarding respondents' opinions, negative aspects were highlighted concerning security, maintenance, and the level of activity in these spaces, while positive aspects included the frequent use of squares and walking areas. As for the public leisure spaces themselves, a large number were identified throughout the urban fabric, with most being in good condition, although some were found to be disconnected from the leisure dynamics and demands of their immediate surroundings. In conclusion, despite technological advancements that threaten public leisure in the 21st century, public leisure spaces remain important sites of sociability and active socio-spatial leisure practices in the city of Orlândia-SP.