Megan M Patton-López1, Rocio Muñoz, Kristty Polanco, Brigetta Olson, George Brown, Stephen DeGhetto. 1. Benton County Health Services (Dr Patton-López, Ms Muñoz, and Ms Polanco), Willamette Neighborhood Housing Services (Ms Olson), Tunison Neighborhood Association (Mr Brown), and Corvallis Parks and Recreation Department (Mr DeGhetto), Corvallis, Oregon; and School of Public Health, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito-Ecuador (Dr Patton-López).
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Community collaboration and active engagement of neighborhood residents in park redesign are promising strategies for creating public spaces that support physical activity. OBJECTIVE: This research brief describes the process of community engagement and discusses outcomes of a participatory park redesign project. METHODS: A community design charrette was held in collaboration with community organizations. Environmental audits of park features and amenities were completed before and after implementation of park redesign. A guided discussion with stakeholders following the park redesign was conducted to discuss challenges, successes, and next steps. RESULTS: Although level of activity among youth observed in the post implementation observations did not differ, there were a greater variety of activities observed among both children and adolescents. Furthermore, the goals of the project related to capacity building and meeting residents' needs were accomplished. CONCLUSIONS: Active participation of residents in a neighborhood park redesign requires time, commitment, and communication from a variety of stakeholders. However, the creation of a park that supports a variety of activity types, and builds community capacity, supports the need for involving stakeholders in redesigning neighborhood parks.
BACKGROUND: Community collaboration and active engagement of neighborhood residents in park redesign are promising strategies for creating public spaces that support physical activity. OBJECTIVE: This research brief describes the process of community engagement and discusses outcomes of a participatory park redesign project. METHODS: A community design charrette was held in collaboration with community organizations. Environmental audits of park features and amenities were completed before and after implementation of park redesign. A guided discussion with stakeholders following the park redesign was conducted to discuss challenges, successes, and next steps. RESULTS: Although level of activity among youth observed in the post implementation observations did not differ, there were a greater variety of activities observed among both children and adolescents. Furthermore, the goals of the project related to capacity building and meeting residents' needs were accomplished. CONCLUSIONS: Active participation of residents in a neighborhood park redesign requires time, commitment, and communication from a variety of stakeholders. However, the creation of a park that supports a variety of activity types, and builds community capacity, supports the need for involving stakeholders in redesigning neighborhood parks.
Authors: Terry T K Huang; Katarzyna E Wyka; Emily B Ferris; Jennifer Gardner; Kelly R Evenson; Devanshi Tripathi; Gabriel Martinez Soto; Matthew S Cato; Jon Moon; Julia Wagner; Joan M Dorn; Diane J Catellier; Lorna E Thorpe Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2016-11-14 Impact factor: 3.295