Social value accumulation through Australian aquatic facilities

Research question: Despite being a critical component of public infrastructure, academic research has rarely delved into aquatic facilities as key for acquiring social value. Therefore, this study analyzed how social value is accumulated through public aquatic facilities and commercial swim schools in Australia, specifically exploring the social capital created for local communities. Research methods: Twenty-eight interviews with users and managers of aquatic facilities were conducted, representing over 110 facilities across 5 states or territories in Australia. Results and findings: Guided by Putnam's conceptualization of social capital, our data demonstrated the critical importance of aquatic facilities in communities across Australia. The analysis identified that aquatic facilities create a range of benefits to community members, including health and well-being, social connection, safety and education, and employment opportunities. Implications: While arguably more difficult to operationalize and quantify, this research provides a foundation to understand the social value, as well as provides avenues to improve the social value achieved by aquatic facilities.