Contribution of Public Parks to Physical Activity

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

1,072 citations0/0 files storedAmerican Journal of Public Health

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Urban Green Space and Health Physical Activity and Health Urban Transport and Accessibility

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Parks provide places for people to experience nature, engage in physical activity, and relax. We studied how residents in low-income, minority communities use public, urban neighborhood parks and how parks contribute to physical activity. METHODS: In 8 public parks, we used direct observation to document the number, gender, race/ethnicity, age group, and activity level of park users 4 times per day, 7 days per week. We also interviewed 713 park users and 605 area residents living within 2 miles of each park. RESULTS: On average, over 2000 individuals were counted in each park, and about two thirds were sedentary when observed. More males than females used the parks, and males were twice as likely to be vigorously active. Interviewees identified the park as the most common place they exercised. Both park use and exercise levels of individuals were predicted by proximity of their residence to the park. CONCLUSIONS: 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.

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References

2003Environmental correlates of walking and cycling: Findings from the transportation, urban design, and planning literatures 2005Increasing walking 2005The significance of parks to physical activity and public health 2004Understanding environmental influences on walking 2002Managing Urban Parks for a Racially and Ethnically Diverse Clientele 2005Contributions of leisure studies and recreation and park management research to the active living agenda 2002Park Usage, Social Milieu, and Psychosocial Benefits of Park Use Reported by Older Urban Park Users from Four Ethnic Groups

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2010Characteristics of urban parks associated with park use and physical activity: A review of qualitative research 2008Association of Park Size, Distance, and Features With Physical Activity in Neighborhood Parks 2011Greenspace and obesity: a systematic review of the evidence 2009Nature, race, and parks: past research and future directions for geographic research 2016Advancing Sustainability through Urban Green Space: Cultural Ecosystem Services, Equity, and Social Determinants of Health

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