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A Cross-Sectional Investigation of the Importance of Park Features for Promoting Regular Physical Activity in Parks

Author

Listed:
  • Sarah A. Costigan

    (School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia)

  • Jenny Veitch

    (Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia)

  • David Crawford

    (Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia)

  • Alison Carver

    (School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia
    Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne 3000, Australia)

  • Anna Timperio

    (Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia)

Abstract

Introduction: Parks in the US and Australia are generally underutilised, and park visitors typically engage in low levels of physical activity (PA). Better understanding park features that may encourage visitors to be active is important. This study examined the perceived importance of park features for encouraging park-based PA and examined differences by sex, age, parental-status and participation in PA. Methods: Cross-sectional surveys were completed by local residents ( n = 2775) living near two parks (2013/2015). Demographic variables, park visitation and leisure-time PA were self-reported, respondents rated the importance of 20 park features for encouraging park-based PA in the next fortnight. Chi-square tests of independence examined differences in importance of park features for PA among sub-groups of local residents (sex, age, parental-status, PA). Results: Park features ranked most important for park-based PA were: well maintained (96.2%), feel safe (95.4%), relaxing atmosphere (91.2%), easy to get to (91.7%), and shady trees (90.3%). All subgroups ranked ‘well maintained’ as most important. Conclusions: Natural and built environment features of parks are important for promoting adults’ park-based PA, and should be considered in park (re)design.

Suggested Citation

  • Sarah A. Costigan & Jenny Veitch & David Crawford & Alison Carver & Anna Timperio, 2017. "A Cross-Sectional Investigation of the Importance of Park Features for Promoting Regular Physical Activity in Parks," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-10, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:14:y:2017:i:11:p:1335-:d:117345
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Stephanie L. Orstad & Kristin Szuhany & Kosuke Tamura & Lorna E. Thorpe & Melanie Jay, 2020. "Park Proximity and Use for Physical Activity among Urban Residents: Associations with Mental Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-13, July.
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    8. Titus Bazac & Sorin Marin & Cosmin Olteanu & Anca Hotoi, 2023. "Sustainable Management Decisions for Urban Historical Parks: A Case Study Based on Online Referential Values of Carol I Park in Bucharest, Romania," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-26, October.
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    11. Sigit D. Arifwidodo & Orana Chandrasiri & Niramon Rasri & Wipada Sirawarong & Panitat Rattanawichit & Natsiporn Sangyuan, 2022. "Association between Park Visitation and Physical Activity among Adults in Bangkok, Thailand," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-11, October.
    12. Elena Prioreschi & Nici Zimmermann & Michael Davies & Irene Pluchinotta, 2024. "Interrelationships and Trade-Offs between Urban Natural Space Use and Biodiversity," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-29, May.
    13. Suzanne J. Dobbinson & Jody Simmons & James A. Chamberlain & Robert J. MacInnis & Jo Salmon & Petra K. Staiger & Melanie Wakefield & Jenny Veitch, 2020. "Examining Health-Related Effects of Refurbishment to Parks in a Lower Socioeconomic Area: The ShadePlus Natural Experiment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-21, August.
    14. Young, Anisa & Tucker, Emily L. & Fernandez, Mariela & White, David & Brookover, Robert & Harris, Brandon, 2024. "An optimization approach to improve equitable access to local parks," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 92(C).

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