My repertoire of small joys: the dialogue between affectivity and leisure in the Olhos D'Agua park in the Distrito Federal
Affectivity; Covid-19 Pandemic; Leisure; Parque Ecológico Olhos D´água; Theory of affects
The object of this study is the people-environment relationship in public leisure spaces during the Covid-19 pandemic. The aim is to understand the affective experience of public park visitors and analyze the relationship between leisure and affectivity in public parks in the context of the pandemic. We propose a multireferential methodological approach based on a case study conducted at the park Parque Ecológico Olhos D’água, in Brasília (Distrito Federal). The data was collected by direct observation, semi-structured interviews, and affective mapping of the park. Literature review and historical documents were also used to collect data. To analyze the data, we used the triangulation method approach supported by the treatment of empirical data and dialog with subjects. Results showed that, in the individual dimension, park visitors experience a rich and pleasant leisure experience, represented by the increased esteem of place. From the collective perspective, visitors are not inserted in practices that grant a systemic view of the socioenvironmental processes related to the park. We conclude that leisure is a rich experience to engage visitors to the park, as demonstrated by the affective relation to the space. It is, however, restricted to the individual perspective. Affectivity can enhance and engage collective practices but does not determine them. It is necessary to promote reflection beyond the individual perspective to contribute to collective practices. Environmental education mediates the public services of leisure and conservation in Protected Areas. Programs on environmental education must be represented in the management of public parks and take into consideration the reality of Protected Areas located in urban areas. These must be managed in the context of cities.