Contribution of Public Parks to Physical Activity

Cohen, Deborah A.; McKenzie, Thomas L.; Sehgal, Amber; Williamson, Stephanie; Golinelli, Daniela; Lurie, Nicole

doi:10.2105/ajph.2005.072447

Cited by 825 publications

(635 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…Parks are increasingly recognized as an important component of the built environment for physical activity [7,8]. By providing low-cost and accessible opportunities for physical activity, parks are used by a vast majority of people and thus can enhance physical activity at the population level across ages, cultures, ethnicities, genders, income levels, and abilities [7,[9][10][11][12].…”

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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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

et al. 2013

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“…Accumulating research indicates that parks and recreation facilities are associated with physical activity among children and adults. [4][5][6][7][8] However, multiple studies suggest that parks and recreation facilities were unevenly distributed geographically among areas composed of different socioeconomic status (SES) and racial/ethnic characteristics. [9][10][11][12] Other studies report that minority and lower SES populations have equal or greater access to physical activity opportunities, parks, and open space than higher SES populations.…”

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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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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“…Parks, or 'public greenspaces' represent an important public amenity in urban areas as they provide residents with access to spaces conducive to health related activities and encourage community sociability (Barton and Pretty, 2010;Bowler et al, 2010;Cohen et al, 2007;Coley, Kuo, and Sullivan, 1997;Giles-Corti et al, 2005;Kaplan and Kim, 2004;Pretty et al, 2007;Takano, Nakamura, and Watanabe, 2002). In the literature having accessible 1 greenspace has many associated benefits 2 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Greenspace and Place Attachment: Do Greener Suburbs Lead to Greater Residential Place Attachment?

Kimpton

Wickes

Corcoran

2014

Urban Policy and Research

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While contemporary urban theories suggest that individuals have transcended their geographical community, evidence suggests that urban residents still feel 'attached' to place. In the literature, several socio-demographic characteristics are associated with place attachment. Scholars suggest physical features, such as community 'greenspace' may also influence place attachment. Yet research does not consider the relationship between one's objective proximity to greenspace or the objective availability of community greenspace on residents' place attachment. This study employs multi-level models and draws on police incident data, census data, two spatial datasets and survey data from over 4000 residents living across 148 state suburbs in Australia to assess the relationship between greenspace proximity and greenspace availability on place attachment. Our findings indicate that greater proportions and more accessible greenspace may not improve residents' attachment to their local community.

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Contribution of Public Parks to Physical Activity

Abstract: Public parks are critical resources for physical activity in minority communities. Because residential proximity is strongly associated with physical activity and park use, the number and location of parks are currently insufficient to serve local populations well.

Cited by 825 publications

References 14 publications

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

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

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

Greenspace and Place Attachment: Do Greener Suburbs Lead to Greater Residential Place Attachment?

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