Examining the Relationship between Park Neighborhoods, Features, Cleanliness, and Condition with Observed Weekday Park Usage and Physical Activity: A Case Study

Abstract

Background Little research has comprehensively explored how park features, quality indicators, and neighborhood environments are associated with observed park usage and physical activity (PA). This case study examined whether weekday park usage and PA differ by neighborhood type, across numerous categories of park features, and according to park feature condition and cleanliness. Methods Direct observation was used to capture the number of users and PA levels within 143 park features in 6 parks (3 urban, 3 suburban) over the course of six weeks. Audits of park environments assessed the type, condition, and cleanliness of all features and amenities. Results Urban parks experienced greater usage, but a higher proportion of sedentary users than suburban parks. Usage and PA levels differed across types of park features, with splash pads, pools, paths, and play structures having the greatest proportion of active users. Usage did not differ by park feature condition and cleanliness, but greater condition and cleanliness were generally associated with higher PA levels. Conclusions Factors such as neighborhood context, types of park features, and condition and cleanliness can impact park usage and PA levels and should be targets for researchers and planners aiming to foster more user-friendly and active neighborhood park environments.

Does Perceived Green Space Quality Matter? Linking Norwegian Adult Perspectives on Perceived Quality to Motivation and Frequency of Visits

“…Moreover, regardless of the potentials that green spaces have, people need to consciously engage with green space to derive most of the benefits [13]. Thus, understanding how and why residents interact with green spaces nearby and how perceived quality influences public use of green space becomes increasingly important for managers and planners of such spaces [13,14,15].…”

An Observational Study of Park Attributes and Physical Activity in Neighborhood Parks of Shanghai, China

“…Several recent studies have addressed participants' visual preference for park features [36,37]. As these studies mainly focused on the perspective aspect of landscape components, the space-behavior relationship was not clear for the preferred landscape features.Behavior mapping is an objective method for linking physical activity and outdoor design, which has been applied in studies of people's behaviors in urban streets [38], childcare centers [39], schools [40], hospitals [41], and neighborhood open space [42]. This method allows researchers to associate the design of behavior settings with physical activity levels among participants.…”

“…Behavior mapping is an objective method for linking physical activity and outdoor design, which has been applied in studies of people's behaviors in urban streets [38], childcare centers [39], schools [40], hospitals [41], and neighborhood open space [42]. This method allows researchers to associate the design of behavior settings with physical activity levels among participants.…”

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Redefinition of Park Design Criteria as a Result of Analysis of Well-Being and Soundscape: The Case Study of the Kortowo Park (Poland)

“…The method of mapping physical activity in parks, which is one of the well-being factors, was described by Wang and Wu [ 62 ] and Hamilton [ 63 ]. They investigated the ways of activity in parks depending on the perception of the features and attributes of the environment.…”