A Cross-Sectional Investigation of the Importance of Park Features for Promoting Regular Physical Activity in Parks

Abstract

Introduction: Parks in the US and Australia are generally underutilised, and park visitors typically engage in low levels of physical activity (PA). Better understanding park features that may encourage visitors to be active is important. This study examined the perceived importance of park features for encouraging park-based PA and examined differences by sex, age, parental-status and participation in PA. Methods: Cross-sectional surveys were completed by local residents (n = 2775) living near two parks (2013/2015). Demographic variables, park visitation and leisure-time PA were self-reported, respondents rated the importance of 20 park features for encouraging park-based PA in the next fortnight. Chi-square tests of independence examined differences in importance of park features for PA among sub-groups of local residents (sex, age, parental-status, PA). Results: Park features ranked most important for park-based PA were: well maintained (96.2%), feel safe (95.4%), relaxing atmosphere (91.2%), easy to get to (91.7%), and shady trees (90.3%). All subgroups ranked ‘well maintained’ as most important. Conclusions: Natural and built environment features of parks are important for promoting adults’ park-based PA, and should be considered in park (re)design.

An Observational Study of Park Attributes and Physical Activity in Neighborhood Parks of Shanghai, China

“…Although this study took setting types (e.g., water, plaza, lawn, and architecture) into consideration when analyzing the use patterns of neighborhood parks, other landscape characteristics may also influence park usage, such as facilities, amenities, and plantings [31]. Due to time constraints, this study only collected data from three neighborhood parks of Shanghai, and only in the autumn.…”

“…As this study associated the levels of use with the landscape features, the results are expected to be useful in design practice for promoting regular physical activity.Numerous studies have shown neighborhood parks provide ideal places for physical activity [19], emphasizing that the presence of or access to nearby nature can contribute to mental and physical health [20][21][22][23][24][25]. Compared with the large number of studies examining the influence of neighborhood-built environment on park usage [26,27], especially the proximity to a park and the surrounding communities [28][29][30], few studies have focused on the specific design features that may influence the park use and the occurrence of physical activity [31].Evidence shows that park attributes are related to park usage, that is, a large size, the quality of facilities, organized activities, and good maintenance can promote overall park use [31][32][33]. An observational study of plaza users in San Francisco found that the microclimate conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and sunshine, influenced the behaviors of visitors [34].…”

“…Numerous studies have shown neighborhood parks provide ideal places for physical activity [19], emphasizing that the presence of or access to nearby nature can contribute to mental and physical health [20][21][22][23][24][25]. Compared with the large number of studies examining the influence of neighborhood-built environment on park usage [26,27], especially the proximity to a park and the surrounding communities [28][29][30], few studies have focused on the specific design features that may influence the park use and the occurrence of physical activity [31].…”

“…Evidence shows that park attributes are related to park usage, that is, a large size, the quality of facilities, organized activities, and good maintenance can promote overall park use [31][32][33]. An observational study of plaza users in San Francisco found that the microclimate conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and sunshine, influenced the behaviors of visitors [34].…”

Cognitive Effects and Educational Possibilities of Physical Activity in Sustainable Cities

“…The most important characteristics of the park for PA are maintenance (96.2%), feel safe (95.4%), relaxing atmosphere (91.2%), easy access (91.7%) and shady trees (90.3%). Good park maintenance was considered as the most important [66].…”