Staff of the Department of Education & Youth
The Department of Education & Youth office at Borgartún 14 is responsible for policy making, development, and quality control of department services. The office handles School & Recreation Council administration and represents department issues to City authorities, other City departments, other institutions and companies, media, and the public, along with other tasks. The office is responsible for coordinating school and recreational services in the districts.
Director's Office
The office oversees policy implementation in school and recreational activities. It handles administrative tasks, manages School & Recreation Council meetings, and oversees the department's executive board meetings. The office also handles quality assurance, document management, central research permits, digital transformation, and public and media communications. Opinion polls are conducted with parents of children using the department's services. The office manages and analyzes student surveys. Support is provided to workplaces for internal evaluation, quality assurance, and improvement work. The office manages registration for department services, conducts analysis and forecasting, and manages and shares statistical information about operations to support data-driven decision-making by managers and elected officials.
Aðalbjörg Dísa Guðjónsdóttir, Office Manager.
Manages the office, serves on the Department's executive board, and acts as the deputy director.
Email: adalbjorg.disa.gudjonsdottir@reykjavik.is
Anna Garðarsdóttir, Project Manager.
Preparation and follow-up for School and Recreation Council meetings. Handles incoming matters to the Department's office and their follow-up. Supervises the office's working groups, correspondence, registration, delivery of request books, various office tasks for the Department's office, etc.
Email: anna.gardarsdottir@reykjavik.is
Arndís Eva Finnsdóttir, Specialist.
Statistics, performance evaluation, and data communication specialist. Oversees various development projects related to data communication from City systems and development of new measurements and analyses. Also involved in performance measurement and survey implementation and communication.
Email: Arndis.Eva.Finnsdottir@reykjavik.is
Ásgeir Björgvinsson, Project Manager.
Team leader for the registration team. Responsibilities include gathering and analyzing data on the number of children and students, maintaining the student registry, processing screenings for grades 2 and 3, assisting work groups, collecting data and analyzing surveys, handling inquiries, and managing central research permits.
Email: asgeir.bjorgvinsson@reykjavik.is
Eygló Traustadóttir, Project Manager.
Team leader of the administrative team. Oversee the School and Recreation Council and the executive management of the Department of Education & Youth. Collaborate and provide advice on matters of documentation and quality. Manage mailing lists.
Email: eyglo.traustadottir@reykjavik.is
Eyrún Einarsdóttir, Project Manager.
Keeps track of logging in to the Department's services and is responsible for implementing the SFS and ÞON contract relating to cooperation and division of labor between departments due to frontline services. Leads team for preschool placement allocation and handling priority preschool applications. Communication and information sharing with on-site managers. Participates in development work on enrollment processes and systems, part of registration team and administrative team for School & Recreation Council meetings.
Email: eyrun.einarsdottir@reykjavik.is
Guðrún Mjöll Sigurðardóttir, Project Manager.
The team leader for statistics, evaluation, and quality assessment and deputy office manager. Oversees parent attitude surveys, student survey results, and various diagnoses associated with the Department's activities. The team works on, among other things, performance measurements and the development of data utilization and sharing from the City's core systems to support data-driven decision-making.
Email: gudrun.mjoll.sigurdardottir@reykjavik.is
Hallgerður Inga Gestsdóttir, Project Manager. - On leave.
Oversees data collection from on-site managers. Distributes questionnaires to administrators about operations and analyzes results. Involved in the creation and processing of various surveys and other data processing.
Email: hallgerdur.inga.gestsdottir@reykjavik.is
Hjördís Rut Sigurjónsdóttir, Public Relations Officer.
Leads the department's information team and participates in Reykjavík City’s information team. Comprehensively manages projects related to conveying information falling under the Department of Education & Youth. This includes responding to media inquiries, writing and presenting news about the Department, and helping in providing information to the service users.
Email: hjordis.rut.sigurjonsdottir@reykjavik.is.
Ingibjörg Íris Þorvaldsdóttir, Project Manager.
Manages the collection of data from on-site managers and the sharing of results. Also involved in the performance measurement of various projects, along with other types of data collection and processing.
Email: ingibjorg.iris.torvaldsdottir@reykjavik.is
Sara Björg Ólafsdóttir, Project Manager.
Enrollment in primary schools, student registry, student population figures, and projections. Interactions with independent primary schools, handling application processes for primary school students studying away from their legal residence.
Email: sara.bjorg.olafsdottir@reykjavik.is
Sigrún Harpa Magnúsdóttir, Projecct Manager. Expert in the evaluation and improvement of school and recreational activities. Conducts diagnoses, such as synthesizing findings from diverse evaluations of the status of Department functional units, focus groups, generating quality standards, and Education Policy-relevant performance measurements. Manages Education Policy checklists, aids with internal assessments, and oversees private preschools in Reykjavík.
Email: sigrun.harpa.magnusdottir@reykjavik.is
Legal services
Legal Services provides legal advice on operational matters and handles administrative issues. It prepares and manages regular School & Recreation Council meetings. Legal Services advises Department of Education & Youth office staff and workplace managers on matters within their responsibility, including labor law advice. Training is provided on laws and regulations relevant to department operations. Legal Services communicates with and represents the department to ministries, other municipalities, appeals committees, institutions, companies, and other parties on legal matters. Legal administration for the School & Recreation Council is part of its duties.
Guðrún Sigtryggsdóttir, Chief Legal Counsel.
Oversees legal services for the Department of Education & Youth and is part of the Department's executive board. Oversees legal administrative matters for the Department of Education & Youth, including management of department contracts and regulations. Involved in policy-making, planning, and proposals for alignment with Reykjavík City institution policies within the department's area of responsibility.
Email: Gudrun.Sigtryggsdottir@reykjavik.is
Katrín Elva Gunnarsdóttir, lawyer.
Maintains oversight and assumes responsibility for legal tasks related to the Department of Education & Youth's data protection issues. Responsibilities include planning, coordinating, and managing data protection matters for the Department of Education & Youth. Provides legal advice, information, and services to department office staff and workplace managers regarding data protection and the legal framework of operations. It also entails other legal tasks such as communication with ministries, other municipalities, and institutions.
Email: Katrin.Elva.Gunnarsdottir@reykjavik.is
Ragna Kristjónsdóttir, Lawyer.
Maintains oversight and assumes responsibility for legal tasks related to labor law of the office and workplaces of the Department of Education & Youth. This includes planning and coordination of legal matters related to labor law working with the Department of Education & Youths' human resources. Responsibilities include planning and coordinating legal Provides legal advice, information, and services to department office staff and workplace managers regarding the legal framework of the Department of Education & Youth. It also entails other legal tasks such as communication with ministries, other municipalities, and institutions. Deputy Legal Officer.
Email: Ragna.Sigrun.Kristjonsdottir@reykjavik.is
Specialized offices
The specialized office oversees projects related to preschool, primary school, and recreational activities development. It participates in policy making and manages, supervises, advises, and supports department workplaces and more.
Preschool Affairs Office
Ólafur Brynjar Bjarkason, Office Manager.
Oversees professional preschool matters, directs the operation of the preschool part of the specialized office, is the head of preschool directors and program directors in centers, sits on the executive board of SFS.
Email: olafur.brynjar.bjarkason@reykjavik.is
Aðalheiður Stefánsdóttir, Division Head.
Heads the team that evaluates preschool priority enrollment applications and is the contact person for registration matters. Participates in policy making and operational planning and handles grant applications. Centralized information disclosure on the activities of the Preschool Affairs Office. Deputy office manager.
Email: aðalheiður.stefansdottir@reykjavik.is
Fjóla Þorvaldsdóttir, Special Education Representative.
Manages special education in preschools, is responsible for the allocation of funding for special education, and is the liaison with institutions that provide diagnosis and support services for children.
Email: fjola.thorvaldsdottir@reykjavik.is
Kristín Hildur Ólafsdóttir, Creative Instruction & Creation Project Manager.
Handles internal evaluations, preschool improvements, continuing education, arts and culture. General advice in professional preschool work.
Email: kristin.hildur.olafsdottir@reykjavik.is
Primary Education Office
Arndís Steinþórsdóttir, Head of Office for Primary School Operations.
Oversees professional primary school matters, directs the operation of the primary school part of the specialized office, is the head of principals, sits on the executive board of SFS.
Email: arndis.steinthorsdottir@reykjavik.is
Alda Árnadóttir, Project Manager for Support Services & Schools for All.
Setting and implementing policies for inclusive schools, overseeing the allocation of funds to support disabled students and students with severe disorders in primary schools, and the admissions team in specialized special departments and special schools.
Email: alda.arnadottir@reykjavik.is
Guðrún Edda Bentsdóttir, Project Manager.
Deputy office manager. Supervises meetings with program directors, principals and Primary School Office, plans continuing education for teachers and school administrators, responds to various matters and inquiries about primary school matters, prizes and grants of the School and Recreation Council, etc.
Email: gudrun.edda.bentsdottir@reykjavik.is
Recreational Affairs Office
Soffía Pálsdóttir, Recreational Affairs Office Manager.
Responsible for policy development, planning and operation of the recreational activities of SFS. Manages the recreational activities of the specialized office. Is the head of the managers of recreation centers, sits in the executive board of SFS. Handles communication with stakeholders, associations and organizations about recreational services for children and adolescents.
Email: soffia.palsdottir@reykjavik.is
Gísli Ólafsson, Recreational Activities Project Manager.
Centralized information disclosure about the activities of the Recreational Office. Participates in policy development and operational planning of recreational matters and provides support, advice and education in connection with recreation centers, youth centers, and after-school programs. Works with the Youth Council of Reykjavík and youth councils in the city's districts.
Email: gisli.olafsson@reykjavik.is
Hulda Valdís Valdimarsdóttir, Recreational Activities Project Manager.
Centralized information disclosure about the activities of the Recreational Office. Participates in policy development and operational planning of recreational matters and provides support, advice and education in connection with recreation centers, youth centers, and after-school programs. Works with the Youth Council of Reykjavík and youth councils in the city's districts.
Email: hulda.valdis.valdimarsdottir@reykjavik.is
Sigríður Rut Hilmarsdóttir, Recreational Activities for Disabled Children Project Manager.
Manages the SFS knowledge center for disabled children's recreational activities, located at Kringlumýri recreation center. The Knowledge Center, among other things, evaluates service needs and allocates support to the City's after-school programs and special youth centers, directs on-site staff, provides advice and education, and ensures that comparable service is provided to children with allocated support.
Email: sigridur.rut.hilmarsdottir@reykjavik.is
Sigrún Sveinbjörnsdóttir, Recreational Activities Project Manager.
Participates in policy development and operational planning of recreational matters and provides support, advice and education in connection with recreation centers, youth centers, and after-school programs. Centralized information disclosure about the activities of the Recreational Office. Deputy office manager.
Email: sigrun.sveinbjornsdottir@reykjavik.is
Finance and operational services
Frans Páll Sigurðsson, Financial Manager. Oversees finances and operations for the Department of Education & Youth. Manages and monitors the finances and operations of the Department and provides advice on financial and operational matters. Takes care of the financial plan, oversight, settlements, and deviation analysis and follows up with monthly settlements. Supervisor of the financial and operations services of the Department of Education & Youth, reports directly to the Director and sits on the executive committee of the Department.
Email: frans.pall.sigurdsson@reykjavik.is
Bryndís Eva Sverrisdóttir, Primary School Financial Specialist. Manages primary school planning and the Edda allocation model.
Email: bryndis.eva.sverrisdottir@reykjavik.is
Daníel Benediktsson, Building & Equipment Maintenance Project Manager. Keeps track of projects related to renovation and construction in Department of Education & Youth housing.
Email: daniel.benediktsson@reykjavik.is
Guðmundur Guðbjörnsson, Head of Division for Planning & Settlements. Planning, monthly settlements and deviation analysis, follow-up to ensure that expenses are within the financial resources along with analyses, calculations, and response to inquiries. Financial control, development, and compilation of key figures and information disclosure to managers. Approval of invoices.
Email: gudmundur.gudbjornsson@reykjavik.is
Haukur Þór Haraldsson, Financial Specialist. Diverse tasks in the field of finance, operational matters, contract matters, and analytical issues.
Email: haukur.haraldsson@reykjavik.is
Helga Gunnarsdóttir, Finance Officer. Supervises and carries out user service and development with Vala preschool system, Vala recreation system, and Vala food system. Conducts courses for employees in Vala. Keeps track of payments and revenues of grants from third parties e.g., Erasmus, Nordplus, and the Treasury.
Email: helga.gunnarsdottir@reykjavik.is
Linda Björk Elíasdóttir, Financial Specialist. Payments to private preschools, payments between municipalities, billing and external handling of applications regarding children's relocations, compensations to day parents - payments, payment of general grants.
Email: linda.eliasdottir@reykjavik.is
Kristín Ásgerður Blöndal, Collections Manager. Invoice generation for preschools, after-school programs, school bands, and school meals. Processing applications for day care fee reductions. User support for Vala, response to inquiries from parents, preschool directors, social workers, and child protection regarding bills and applications. Handling of defaulters' lists, processing of terminations due to defaults on preschool and after-school program fees, and communication with debtors and collection companies, social workers, and child protection. Reconciliations and much more.
Email: kristin.asgerdur.blondal@reykjavik.is and kab@reykjavik.is
Kristján Gunnarsson, Financial Specialist. Monitoring of allocation models in preschools and primary schools and recreation centers. Operational monitoring and analyses. Deputy financial manager.
Email: kristjan.gunnarsson@reykjavik.is
Sigríður María Hreiðarsdóttir, Financial Specialist. Temporary: Head of the Adult Educational Center of Reykjavík City, applications, purchase cards for staff of SFS, limit increase for staff purchase cards at SFS workplaces. Monthly payments – grants for music schools in Reykjavík. Monthly payments – grants for private primary schools in Reykjavík. Collections for SFS workplaces, i.e., preschools and primary schools. Handles central SFS unit billing, approves payments for students residing in Reykjavík attending primary schools outside Reykjavík, and bills for non-Reykjavík residents in Reykjavík primary schools. Assistance with invoices/Agresso, and more.
Email: sigridur.maria.hreidarsdottir@reykjavik.is
Viktoría Gísladóttir, Financial Specialist. Planning, settlements, approval of bills, contact person at recreation centers, etc.
Email: viktoria.gisladottir@reykjavik.is
Þórdís Eik Friðþjófsdóttir, Building & Equipment Maintenance Project Manager. Keeps track of projects related to renovation and construction in Department of Education & Youth housing.
Email: thordis.eik.fridthjofsdottir@reykjavik.is
Human Resources Service
Ragnheiður E. Stefánsdóttir, Human Resources Manager.
Email: ragnheidur.e.stefansdottir@reykjavik.is
Guðný Reynisdóttir, Human Resources Consultant. Oversees opinion poll and follow-up, advises managers on difficult personnel issues.
Email: gudny.reynisdottir@reykjavik.is.
Jóhanna Marteinsdóttir, Human Resources Consultant. Advises on recruitment and staffing. Liaison for recruitment system, Temp Work Office, and summer employment initiative. Deputy Human Resources Manager.
Email: johanna.marteinsdottir@reykjavik.is.
Þórunn Helga Benedikz, Lawyer. Expert in labor law and wage issues, advises Human Resources Consultants and department managers on implementation. Handles cases involving alleged inappropriate employee behavior towards children. Chairs the Department of Education & Youth anti-bullying and harassment team.
Email: thorunn.helga.benedikz@reykjavik.is.
Hafdís Dögg Guðmundsdóttir, Human Resources Consultant. Advises on health promotion, work environment, and occupational safety. Chairs the Department of Education & Youth safety committee.
Email: hafdis.dogg.gudmundsdottir@reykjavik.is.
Magnús Olsen Guðmundsson, Human Resources Consultant. Oversees Torgið for the Department of Education & Youth, advises managers on new employee orientation, communication, cooperation, and team building. Supports managers with education and professional development. Organizes education and classes for SFS staff.
Email: magnus.olsen.gudmundsson@reykjavik.is.
Guðlaug Gísladóttir, Human Resources Consultant. Manages and works on improvement projects for preschool staffing and work environment.
Email: gudlaug.gisladottir@reykjavik.is.
Education Innovation Center
Supports workplaces in implementing the Education Policy, promotes university collaboration for professional development, and supports innovation in preschools, primary schools, and recreational activities with the SFS specialized office, Language and Literacy Center, and others.
Hjörtur Ágústsson, Head of Division.
Oversees support and counseling programs for workplaces in the Department of Education & Youth. Works to increase the coordination of projects and staff counseling within the Innovation Center and fosters collaboration efforts with the academic community on matters related to professional development and continuous education.
Email: Hjortur.Agustsson@reykjavik.is
Aino Freyja Järvela, Music Project Manager. Reykjavík school band project manager, liaison for collaboration with the city's music schools. Implement the policy of the Department of Education & Youth on the future organization of music education in the city, tailored to the needs of preschools, primary schools, after-school programs, youth centers, school bands, and music schools.
Email: Aino.Freyja.Jarvela@reykjavik.is
Eva Halldóra Guðmundsdóttir, Project Manager at the Innovation Center.
Manages the Reykjavík Education Policy website and handles various projects related to implementing the Reykjavík Education Policy, supporting administrators, and organizing professional development at the Department of Education & Youth.
Email: Eva.Halldora.Gudmundsdottir@reykjavik.is
Harpa Þorvaldsdóttir, project manager for culture-related projects.
Project manager for the Singing School project and member of the children's culture project management team. Helps manage events and projects connecting children and culture, such as Skrekkur, Children's Culture Festival, Sögur Children's Award Ceremony, and more. Shares information, provides advice and support on culture-related projects, and collaborates with cultural institutions within and outside Reykjavík City.
Email: Harpa.Thorvaldsdottir@reykjavik.is
Indíana Rós Ægisdóttir, project manager for the Reykjavík Gender Equality Academy.
Provides counseling, support, and education on gender equality and sexual health matters to managers and staff at preschools and primary schools, and in the city's recreational activities. Provides counseling, support, and education to managers and staff regarding inappropriate sexual behavior and sexual violence in schools and recreational activities. Annually manages the Week 6 sexual health campaign.
Email: indiana.ros.aegisdottir@reykjavik.is
Margrét Björnsdóttir, Director of School Libraries.
Records and categorizes new materials for primary school libraries in the Gegnir library system. She provides advice on book acquisitions and purchases of other materials such as furniture, shares information and ideas about library work, and organizes educational and consultation meetings for school library staff.
Email: Margret.Bjornsdottir@reykjavik.is
Maríanna Guðbergsdóttir, project manager for the Reykjavík Gender Equality Academy.
Provides counseling, support, and education on gender equality and sexual health matters to managers and staff at preschools and primary schools, and in the city's recreational activities. Provides counseling, support, and education to managers and staff regarding inappropriate sexual behavior and sexual violence in schools and recreational activities. Annually manages the Week 6 sexual health campaign.
Email: Marianna.Gudbergsdottir@reykjavik.is
Þorbjörg Arna S. Jónasdóttir, project manager for international cooperation and grants.
Oversees the Department's participation in international projects and grants that can be applied for. He assists managers and employees in school and recreational activities to apply for grants and provides oversight for international project management. He also coordinates and applies for funding for larger projects.
Email: Thorbjorg.Arna.S.Jonasdottir@reykjavik.is
Mixtúra – digital technology in educational and recreational services
Mixtúra teaching consultants/project managers provide diverse professional development, advice, and support to managers and staff on responsible, progressive, and creative use of digital technology in school and recreational activities.
Alexía Rós Gylfadóttir, Creative Technology Project Manager.
Support for advanced and creative technology in Mixtúra's creative and technical workshop. STEAM-specific projects. Liaison for the SFS Resource Lending Library.
Email: alexia.ros.gylfadottir@reykjavik.is
Bjarndís Fjóla Jónsdóttir, Digital Technology Project Manager.
Learning, teaching and play in diverse work, innovation and progressive solutions, and data protection issues.
Email: bjarndis.fjola.jonsdottir@reykjavik.is
Erla Stefánsdóttir, Digital Media Project Manager.
Digital media, video production, film projects, and multimedia. Audio and event recordings.
Email: erla.stefansdottir@reykjavik.is
Hildur Rudolfsdóttir, Digital Technology Project Manager.
Development projects, design thinking, and innovation. Liaison for advanced and creative technology in Mixtúra and Lego projects. Supervision of career development and deputy director.
Email: hildur.rudolfsdottir@reykjavik.is
Hildur Ásta Viggósdóttir, Digital Technology Project Manager.
Learning, teaching and playing in diverse work, innovation, and progressive solutions. Project of Digital Growth and Google Workspace for Education.
Email: hildur.asta.viggosdottir@reykjavik.is
Þorbjörg Þorsteinsdóttir, Division Head for Mixtúra.
Overview and information sharing, policy making and planning, collaboration, development, and reform projects. Tasks related to professional development and digital competence.
Email: thorbjorg.st.thorsteinsdottir@reykjavik.is
www.mixtura.ismixtura@reykjavik.is
Center for Language and Literacy
Dröfn Rafnsdóttir, Division Head.
Oversees Language and Literacy Center projects.
Email: Drofn.Rafnsdottir@reykjavik.is
Dagbjört Ásbjörnsdóttir, Intercultural Primary School & Recreation Activity Project Manager.
Supports primary schools and recreational activities regarding multiculturalism and multicultural practices. Advices on professional practices and organizes education and classes.
Email: dagbjort.asbjornsdottir@reykjavik.is
Emilía Rafnsdóttir, Project Manager for Counseling on Linguistic Development & Literacy.
Supports preschool staff regarding children's linguistic development and literacy. Advices on the development of professional practices designed to promote an encouraging language and literacy environment for children in preschool. Organizes education and courses for preschool staff.
Email: Emilia.Rafnsdottir@reykjavik.is
Helga Ágústsdóttir, Project Manager for Children with Diverse Linguistic and Cultural Backgrounds.
Supports staff in school and recreational activities regarding reception, integration, teaching of multilingual children and Icelandic as a second language. Advices on the development of professional teaching methods. Coordinates education and courses for staff in schools and recreational activities.
Email: Helga.Agustsdottir@reykjavik.is.
Kriselle Suson Jónsdóttir, Filipino and English-speaking Bridge Builder.
Supports staff in school and recreational activities regarding reception and integration of children of foreign origin. Builds a bridge between multilingual children, their parents, and school and recreational activity staff. Provides advice on communication with families of foreign origin. Organizes education and classes for parents and staff.
Email: Kriselle.Lou.Suson.Jonsdottir@reykjavik.is.
Magdalena E Andrésdóttir, Polish-speaking Bridge Builder.
Supports staff in school and recreational activities regarding reception and integration of children of foreign origin. Builds a bridge between multilingual children, their parents, and school and recreational activity staff. Provides advice on communication with families of foreign origin. Organizes education and classes for parents and staff.
Email: Magdalena.Elisabet.Andresdottir@reykjavik.is
Oksana Shabatura, Ukrainian-speaking Bridge Builder.
Supports staff in school and recreational activities regarding reception and integration of children of foreign origin. Builds a bridge between multilingual children, their parents, and school and recreational activity staff. Provides advice on communication with families of foreign origin. Organizes education and classes for parents and staff.
Email: Oksana.Shabatura@reykjavik.is.
Ragnheiður V Sigtryggsdóttir, Project Manager and Counselor for Children with Diverse Linguistic and Cultural Backgrounds.
Supports staff in school and recreational activities regarding reception, integration, teaching of multilingual children and Icelandic as a second language. Advices on the development of professional teaching methods. Coordinates education and courses for staff in schools and recreational activities.
Email: Ragnheidur.V.Sigtryggsdottir@reykjavik.is
Saga Stephensen, Intercultural Preschool Project Manager.
Support for preschool activities regarding multiculturalism and multicultural practices. Advices on professional practices and organizes education and classes.
Email: Saga.Stephensen@reykjavik.is
Salah Karim, Kurdish and Arabic-speaking Bridge Builder.
Supports staff in school and recreational activities regarding reception and integration of children of foreign origin. Builds a bridge between multilingual children, their parents, and school and recreational activity staff. Provides advice on communication with families of foreign origin. Organizes education and classes for parents and staff.
Email: Salah.Karim.Mahmood@reykjavik.is
Sigrún J Baldursdóttir, Project Manager for Counseling on Linguistic Development & Literacy.
Supports staff in primary school and recreational activities regarding language development, literacy and teaching Icelandic as a second language. Provides advice on the development of professional teaching methods to promote a stimulating language and literacy environment. Coordinates education and courses for staff in schools and recreational activities.
Email: Sigrun.Jonina.Baldursdottir@reykjavik.is
Þóra Sæunn Úlfsdóttir, Project Manager for Counseling on Linguistic Development & Literacy.
Supports school and recreational staff regarding children's linguistic development and literacy. Advices on the development of professional practices designed to promote an encouraging language and literacy environment for children in play and work. Coordinates education and courses for staff in schools and recreational activities.