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

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Sarah A CostiganAnna Timperio

Abstract

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. 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). 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. Natural and built environment features of parks are important for promoting adults' park-based PA, and should be considered in park (re)design.

References

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Citations

Feb 23, 2020·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Xue ZhangElaine Wethington
Apr 5, 2020·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Xinxin Wang, Chengzhao Wu
Aug 23, 2020·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Suzanne J DobbinsonJenny Veitch
Apr 5, 2020·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Yunwon Choi, Heeyeun Yoon
Jul 11, 2020·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Stephanie L OrstadMelanie Jay
Jan 28, 2021·Cadernos de saúde pública·Ietza BojorquezPatricia Aranda
Jan 15, 2021·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Meredith PerryHemakumar Devan
Apr 4, 2021·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Yang YangGuangsi Lin
Dec 24, 2020·Preventive Medicine Reports·Andrew T KaczynskiJasper Schipperijn

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Software Mentioned

REVAMP
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