Recreational use and health functions of allotments gardens in the Katowice conurbation, Poland

Allotment gardens are multifunctional elements of urban space, which have been shaped by various strands of development, among which a significant role is played by health purposes and recreational use. Different aspects and problems of the recreational use of allotments in the industrial area of the Katowice conurbation in Silesia, southern Poland are the scope for this analysis, and are considered against the background of their historical development. Allotment gardens are important components of an urban recreation system, and a primary base for recreation by the owners of these allotments. Time spent in gardens is filled with physical activities associated with taking care of them and also for passive recreation. An advantage is the possibility to spend leisure time, especially by hard working people or those with limited possibilities to access other forms of recreation. An advantage is the possibility to spend leisure time, especially by hard working people or those with limited possibilities to access other forms of recreation. The date of commencement of work and the number of people spending leisure time on the plots are dependent on weather conditions and being at the disposal of free time. Therefore, recreation is characterized by seasonality, and reveals significant differences in the number of allotment users each day. Socio-economic changes in the last few years have resulted in significant changes in the methods of utilising these gardens and the type of recreational use of individual allotments.