Quality of Public Open Spaces and Recreational Walking

Abstract

Building 1 high-quality local park may be more effective in promoting recreational walking than is providing many average-quality parks.

A Longitudinal Analysis of the Influence of the Neighborhood Environment on Recreational Walking within the Neighborhood: Results from RESIDE

“…However, more evidence is required to explore what role small parks play (if any) and for whom, and how the quality of smaller parks affects both physical activity and mental health outcomes ( Francis et al 2012 ). In the meantime, given the exponential growth of cities around the globe and global targets to increase access to public open space, both our longitudinal and cross-sectional findings suggest that fewer larger open spaces may be preferable than providing many small public open spaces ( Sugiyama et al 2010 , 2015 ).…”

“…Furthermore, recreational walking may increase over time as these positive perceptions grow. A previous cross-sectional study of RESIDE participants highlighted the importance of the quality of neighborhood environments ( Sugiyama et al 2015 ). This study found that walking to local public open space was associated with public open spaces being attractive with gardens, grassed areas, walking paths, water features, wildlife, amenities, dog-related facilities, and off-leash areas for dogs ( Sugiyama et al 2015 ).…”

“…A previous cross-sectional study of RESIDE participants highlighted the importance of the quality of neighborhood environments ( Sugiyama et al 2015 ). This study found that walking to local public open space was associated with public open spaces being attractive with gardens, grassed areas, walking paths, water features, wildlife, amenities, dog-related facilities, and off-leash areas for dogs ( Sugiyama et al 2015 ). Notably, in the current study, we found that lower levels of walking were determined by the presence of smaller pocket parks, which is important, given that many subdivision design codes encourage the creational of smaller local public open spaces.…”

Contributions of Multiple Built Environment Features to 10-Year Change in Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference in a South Australian Middle-Aged Cohort

“…For example, our components of walkable urban form do not include other environmental aspects such as surface condition or route aesthetics that may relate to walking behaviour [59]. Similarly, this study considers POS in terms of count, area, and greenness; it does not include other features relating to POS quality that may influence behaviour and health outcomes [60]. The environmental characteristics assessed may have changed during the cohort follow-up period, however there was little evidence of area gentrification during this time period [61].…”

Exercise Bargain: Are Walking Loops Worth the Investment?

“… 5 Previous studies have indicated that people with access to walking loops were more likely to engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity. 6 …”