Final answer:
The assertion that homeless people are purposefully included in public parks for equitable leisure experiences is false. Public parks are open for general public use, and the presence of homeless individuals there is related to broader housing and social policy challenges rather than intentional inclusive policy-making by the government.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that homeless people are often included in leisure sites such as public parks because the government is responsible for providing equitable experiences is false. While governments do provide a range of public services freely to people, the inclusion of homeless individuals in public spaces like parks is a byproduct of their lack of housing and not a deliberate action by the government to create equitable leisure experiences. Public city parks are typically designed to be free and accessible for all, but the presence of homeless individuals there is more accurately related to the urban challenges of housing and social services inadequacies.
As we look at landscapes in cities, it is possible to see how public spaces are designed to cater to various needs. Geographers with awareness of urban landscapes can often spot designs that either address or undermine the needs of certain groups, including the homeless. This can be seen in the provision of public goods like parks that have no charge for entrance but may have associated fees for certain services or amenities, suggesting a selective inclusiveness.
It is important to acknowledge that homelessness in urban areas is a complex issue, often attributed to multiple factors including rent prices, vacancy rates, drug use, mental illness, and poverty. Therefore, the presence of homeless individuals in public parks reflects broader social and economic issues rather than an intentional policy to craft idealized leisure experiences.