Sandra C Lapham1, Deborah A Cohen2, Stephanie Williamson2, Bing Han2, Kelly R Evenson3, Thomas L McKenzie4, Amy Hillier5, Phillip Ward6. 1. Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, 612 Encino Place NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102. 2. RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90407. 3. University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, 137 East Franklin Street, Suite 306, Chapel Hill, NC 27514. 4. San Diego State University, School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, 5127 Walsh Way, San Diego, CA 92115. 5. University of Pennsylvania, School of Design, 210 South 34th Street, Philadelphia PA 19104. 6. Ohio State University, School of Physical Activity and Educational Services, 305 W. 17th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To determine individual- and park-related characteristics associated with adults visiting their closest neighborhood park and involvement in sports, walking, and sedentary activities. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Neighborhoods surrounding 24 parks in four United States metropolitan areas. SUBJECTS: Adults (N = 3,815) (25% African American, 12% Hispanic, and 56% Non-Hispanic White) living within .5 mile of one of 24 public parks. MEASURES: Anonymous surveys and park observations. ANALYSIS: Chi-square statistics and logistic regression including individual and park characteristics. RESULTS: Thirty-seven percent reported never having visited their park; 16% reported using it for regular exercise. Respondents who perceived the parks as safe or very safe had 4.6 times the odds of visiting the parks. Active sports participation was associated with being male, ages 18 to 24, and of African American heritage. Walking was associated with being female, age 47+, and reporting fair or poor health. Females, Hispanics, and those reporting fair/poor health were more likely to report sedentary activities. Park characteristics associated with park use included fewer physical incivilities, closer proximity to homes, more facilities, and organized activities. CONCLUSIONS: Perceptions of park safety were strongly associated with ever having visited a respective park, while park characteristics appeared to influence the types of activities performed. Increasing the number of organized activities and offering a variety of different facilities may encourage park use.
PURPOSE: To determine individual- and park-related characteristics associated with adults visiting their closest neighborhood park and involvement in sports, walking, and sedentary activities. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Neighborhoods surrounding 24 parks in four United States metropolitan areas. SUBJECTS: Adults (N = 3,815) (25% African American, 12% Hispanic, and 56% Non-Hispanic White) living within .5 mile of one of 24 public parks. MEASURES: Anonymous surveys and park observations. ANALYSIS: Chi-square statistics and logistic regression including individual and park characteristics. RESULTS: Thirty-seven percent reported never having visited their park; 16% reported using it for regular exercise. Respondents who perceived the parks as safe or very safe had 4.6 times the odds of visiting the parks. Active sports participation was associated with being male, ages 18 to 24, and of African American heritage. Walking was associated with being female, age 47+, and reporting fair or poor health. Females, Hispanics, and those reporting fair/poor health were more likely to report sedentary activities. Park characteristics associated with park use included fewer physical incivilities, closer proximity to homes, more facilities, and organized activities. CONCLUSIONS: Perceptions of park safety were strongly associated with ever having visited a respective park, while park characteristics appeared to influence the types of activities performed. Increasing the number of organized activities and offering a variety of different facilities may encourage park use.
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Manuscript format: multicenter study; Observation; Outcome measure: behavioral; Parks; Physical Activity; Public Facilities; Recreation; Research purpose: observation; Study design: cross-sectional; all ages; built environment; fitness/physical activity; geographic location; local community
Authors: Deborah A Cohen; Thomas L McKenzie; Amber Sehgal; Stephanie Williamson; Daniela Golinelli; Nicole Lurie Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2007-01-31 Impact factor: 9.308
Authors: Kelly R Evenson; Daniela Sotres-Alvarez; Amy H Herring; Lynne Messer; Barbara A Laraia; Daniel A Rodríguez Journal: Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act Date: 2009-07-20 Impact factor: 6.457