Define the term carrying capacity.

State whether location A or B has the higher perceptual carrying capacity and justify your answer.

Explain three factors that affect the distribution of sports facilities in urban areas.

Examine the effectiveness of using sport and recreation to promote urban regeneration.

Maximum number of visitors/participants that a site can satisfy at one time.

Location B [1 mark] because more people are prepared to tolerate more people [1 mark]. Award [1 mark] for some attempt at quantification or for a definition of perceptual carrying capacity as maximum number before a specific group of visitors considers the level of impact to be excessive.

There are many factors that affect the distribution of sports facilities. Sports facilities might include large stadiums as well as parks, swimming pools, gyms, running tracks, and golf courses as well as other sports courts and fields.

Factors include accessibility, land values and the physical and socio-economic characteristics of urban zones. Accessibility – better accessibility makes it more available to larger numbers. Land availability and price – more land and cheaper land is generally available in suburban or edge of town locations (rural urban fringe).

Competing land uses, such as commercial or residential developments, may affect choice of site. Rowing clubs and golf courses, for example, are closely linked to physical landscape. Socio-economic characteristics of the population of different urban zones may create a demand for different types of sports clubs, fitness centres etc.

Each valid suggestion should be awarded [1 mark] with up to a further [1 mark] awarded for development.

Candidates are expected to identify the characteristics of effective urban regeneration. Arguments in support of sport and recreation include community cohesiveness, investment in associated infrastructure, community health benefits, creation of tourist destination, creation of jobs and reduction in crime.

Alternative arguments include lack of long-term production jobs, lack of inclusion of entire community (eg elderly), possible changes in popularity of sport, and fluctuations in success of sports teams.

At band D, at least two effects should be described. For bands E and F there should be some evaluation of the effectiveness (eg arrives at a judgement, or examines from different perspectives).

Marks should be allocated according to the markbands.

This posed few problems. Most identified correct location.

This posed few problems. Most identified correct location.

This question was poorly answered. Although the factors were understood, there was limited linkage to distribution within an urban area.

Again, often poorly answered. Many responses were descriptive, with limited understanding of urban regeneration; social aspects were often ignored.