Characteristics of urban parks associated with park use and physical activity: A review of qualitative research

McCormack, Gavin R.; Rock, Melanie; Toohey, Ann M.; Hignell, Danica

doi:10.1016/j.healthplace.2010.03.003

Cited by 789 publications

(596 citation statements)

References 61 publications

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“…47 The presence of wooded areas and trees are significant because esthetic preferences for trees and other natural characteristics are related to greater park use and walking for physical activity. 31,37,48,49 Urban trees have also been linked to improved cognitive functioning and psychological well-being. [50][51][52] Fewer wooded areas in minority and low-income areas suggest that residents of low-income and minority neighborhoods may lack the health benefits that these natural park features convey.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…29 Studies that have unpacked park settings to examine quantity and quality of specific park characteristics associated with physical activity have found that built features of parks such as courts, playgrounds, open spaces, and paths promote park use and park-based activity. 20,[30][31][32][33][34][35] Natural areas, rather than more developed areas, 36 such as trees, water features, bird life, and park landscaping have been found to be the most desirable elements of parks or those that influenced use for physical activity. 37 Research has indicated that the quality and condition of park features is unequal across areas comprised of varying race/ethnicity and income characteristics.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Disparities in Built and Natural Features of Urban Parks: Comparisons by Neighborhood Level Race/Ethnicity and Income

Bruton

Floyd

2014

J Urban Health

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Known associations between the built environment and health outcomes have accelerated research examining racial/ethnic and income disparities in access to parks and other community features that support physical activity. Currently, it cannot be concluded that park characteristics are equal in quantity or condition across areas of disparate race/ethnicity and income composition. This study examined natural and built park characteristics across areas of different race/ethnicity and income composition to identify potential disparities. Twenty-one parks in Greensboro, NC (USA), located in minority or non-minority areas and in low or medium-high income areas were inventoried using a park audit tool and GIS. Parks were compared on number of activity areas, features, amenities, size, percent tree canopy, cleanliness, and condition. Independent sample t tests and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare means of outcome variables. Fisher's exact tests were applied for categorical variables. Fewer wooded areas and more trash cans were found in low-income and minority areas as compared to medium-high income and non-minority areas. Low-income areas were found to have more picnic areas than their counterparts. Sitting and resting features in non-minority areas were found to be cleaner than those in minority areas. Results showed some evidence of disparities in park characteristics. Findings can inform park policy and design as well as renovations and maintenance procedures, particularly in specific areas where existing disparities were identified.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Disparities in Built and Natural Features of Urban Parks: Comparisons by Neighborhood Level Race/Ethnicity and Income

Bruton

Floyd

2014

J Urban Health

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“…Bedimo-Rung et al [7] proposed a conceptual framework on the relationship between park environmental characteristics and park-based physical activity. Stemming from this, a growing body of literature indicates that park characteristics, such as access, safety, features, condition, and attractiveness may influence physical activity [7,13]. Most previous research has employed objective measures, such as observational audits and geographic information systems (GIS) methods to examine park characteristics related to physical activity.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perceptions of Neighborhood Park Quality: Associations with Physical Activity and Body Mass Index

et al. 2013

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Background Parks are important resources for physical activity (PA), yet few studies have examined how perceptions of park characteristics relate to PA and health. Purpose This study investigated associations between perceptions of neighborhood park quality and overall moderateto-vigorous PA (MVPA), park-based PA, and body mass index (BMI). Methods Data were collected via questionnaire from 893 households in Kansas City, Missouri. Results The newly developed neighborhood park quality scale demonstrated good test-retest and internal reliability. Residents' perceptions of neighborhood park quality were related to PA and health outcomes. Perceiving parks as a benefit was positively related to overall MVPA and park-based PA and negatively related to BMI. Perceptions of well-used parks were positively related to BMI, while perceived cleanliness was negatively related to parkbased PA. Conclusions Better measuring and understanding how perceptions of local parks are associated with PA and health can improve appreciation of how parks facilitate active living.

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“…In this sense, the access to locations such as parks, plazas and bicycle routes becomes important for the development of active healthy lifestyles in the population [2][3][4][5] . Aspects such as the availability of areas for walking, green areas and access to recreational facilities as well as the aesthetics of the surroundings are positively associated with physical activity 1,2,6 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Different characteristics of parks may influence its use 2,6 . Among them are accessibility, availability, conservation and quality, land use, programming, safety and services offered 2,4,[6][7][8][9][10][11] .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Quality of public urban parks for physical activity practice in Bucaramanga, Colombia

Fermino

Ramírez

Lemos

et al. 2017

Rev. Bras. Cineantropom. Desempenho Hum.

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-The characteristics of parks (availability, accessibility, conservation, quality, safety, etc.) are important predictors of their use for physical activity practices. The aim of this study was to verify the association among the socioeconomic level of neighborhoods, the characteristics and quality of urban public parks for physical activity in Bucaramanga, Colombia. Cross-sectional study, conducted in 2015, in which 10 parks with structures for physical activity were evaluated. The socioeconomic level of the district was evaluated based on the neighborhoods around the parks and classified in "low" and "high". The number of residents in the surrounding area of parks were evaluated with Geographic Information System (GIS), site characteristics and quality with the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) and the Physical Activity Resource Assessment (PARA), respectively. The association was analyzed with Mann Whitney U test and Spearman correlation (rho) on STATA 14 and the significance level was maintained at 5%. A positive association was found between the socioeconomic level and the presence of walking paths (marginal, p=0.056), accessibility (rho=0.875; p=0.001) and general quality of parks (rho=0.657; p=0.039). The low socioeconomic level was associated with the presence of sports courts (p=0.032). These results can guide the actions of public managers for the modification of the built environment and structures of the parks for physical activity.Key words: Environment; Green Areas; Motor Activity; Parks; Social Class. (disponibilidade, acessibilidade, conservação, qualidade, segurança, etc.) (marginal, p=0,056), acessibilidade (rho=0,875; p=0,001) e qualidade geral dos parques (rho=0,657; p=0,039). O baixo nível socioeconômico foi associado à presença de quadras para esportes (p=0,032). Esses resultados podem orientar as ações dos gestores públicos para a modificação do ambiente construído e estruturas dos parques para a atividade física. Resumo -As características dos parques

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Characteristics of urban parks associated with park use and physical activity: A review of qualitative research

Cited by 789 publications

References 61 publications

Disparities in Built and Natural Features of Urban Parks: Comparisons by Neighborhood Level Race/Ethnicity and Income

Disparities in Built and Natural Features of Urban Parks: Comparisons by Neighborhood Level Race/Ethnicity and Income

Perceptions of Neighborhood Park Quality: Associations with Physical Activity and Body Mass Index

Quality of public urban parks for physical activity practice in Bucaramanga, Colombia

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