Paul Heintzman

Dr. Heintzman grew up in Ottawa and studied Recreology (Leisure Studies) at the University of Ottawa where he specialized in recreation resource management and planning. His master's thesis was on the philosophy of leisure and his Ph.D. thesis was on leisure and spiritual well being. He has extensive experience as a recreation practitioner throughout Canada including outdoor leadership positions at camps across the country; research work with the Sierra Club of Western Canada and the City of Calgary; developer, manager and director of human service programs at the Booth Centre in downtown Ottawa (1986-1990); and as Executive Director of Gracefield Camp and Conference in Quebec (1990-1995). Dr. Heintzman has previously taught at Brock University and at Acadia University (1998-2003) where he was Coordinator of the Outdoor Recreation and Environmental Education specialization. In 2003, he received the Society of Park and Recreation Educator's Teaching Innovation Award ; in 2005 he was a Visiting Scholar at Regent College, an international graduate school in Vancouver ; in 2007 he was recipient of the Christian Society of Kinesiology and Leisure Studies' Literary Award ; and in 2009 he received the CSKLS Distinguished Service Award. Dr Heintzman is co-editor of the book Christianity and Leisure: Issues in a Pluralistic Society, editor of a special issue of the journal Leisure/Loisir on the theme of leisure and spirituality; and the author of numerous journal papers and book chapters on the topics of leisure and spirituality; recreation and the environment; and the philosophy and ethics of leisure. He teaches courses on leisure concepts and on the relationship between recreation and the environment.

He conducts research in the areas of outdoor recreation, parks, wilderness, outdoor education, environmental education, adventure activities, interpretation and residential camping. His research focuses on the human dimensions of these activities and settings and he conducts both quantitative (primarily surveys) and qualitative (usually in-depth interviews) social scientific research. He has also published hermeneutical, ethical, historical and philosophical research. Another research interest is spirituality as it relates to outdoor experience. 

Paul looks for students interested in research on environmental sustainability as it relates to outdoor recreation, students who are self-motivated, good at working independently and enjoy outdoor recreation and being outdoors.

1. What management actions enhance the environmental sustainability of park visitation?
2. How can the environmental sustainability of specific outdoor recreation activities be enhanced?
3. What are the environmental outcomes of park interpretive events and programs?
4. What are the environmental outcomes of environmental education and outdoor education programs?
5. What management practices can enhance the environmental sustainability of camps and outdoor education centres?
6. What type and amount of outdoor recreation activity is appropriate in parks and wilderness areas in order to ensure environmental sustainability?
7. What is the relationship between participation in a park interpretive program and environmental sustainable practices in one’s daily life?
8. What management actions can park and recreation agencies take to enhance environmental sustainability in urban areas?