Background
Play Streets, which are community-based environmental initiatives where public spaces/streets are temporarily closed to create safe, low-cost physical activity opportunities, have demonstrated feasibility and physical activity benefit in rural U.S. areas. Yet, information is needed to identify implementation characteristics that promote sustainability. This study examined rural Play Streets implementation characteristics that can impact sustainability from local partners’ perspectives.
Methods
Sixteen Play Streets implementation team members in rural Maryland, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Texas, USA participated in interviews. Semi-structured in-person individual and group interviews were conducted in the fall of 2018 (after Play Streets implementation in 2017 and 2018), recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analyzed using iterative, content analyses. Coding frameworks were based on the Public Health Program Capacity for Sustainability Framework, and emergent themes were also identified.
Results
Interviewees’ perceived characteristics for facilitating Play Streets implementation aligned with the Public Health Program Capacity for Sustainability Framework: funding stability, political support, partnerships, organizational capacity, program adaption, and communication. Interviewees also noted the importance of cultural alignment/support and the reciprocal impact of community connectedness/engagement.
Conclusions
Future research should examine the reciprocal role of public health impacts, as both outcomes and factors influencing sustainability.