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Is the Grass Always Greener in Suburban Neighborhoods? Outdoors Play in Suburban and Inner-City Neighborhoods

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  • Mika R. Moran

    (Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning, Technion—Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 320003, Israel)

  • Pnina Plaut

    (Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning, Technion—Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 320003, Israel)

  • Dafna Merom

    (School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia)

Abstract

Children’s outdoors play (OP) is an important source of physical activity that has been decreasing in recent years due to changes in neighborhood design, parent safety concerns and child sedentary leisure. However, few studies examined such determinants from children’s perspectives. This study explores environmental and socio-cultural aspects of children’s OP using a qualitative and quantitative approach. Data was collected in two phases: (1) a survey on OP and related variables among 5th and 6th graders (10–12 years old) ( n = 573); and (2) a mapping activity and semi-structured interview among a subsample of the survey ( n = 80). The most common locations for routine OP were parks (40%) followed by public facilities (26%) and streets (17%). OP was significantly associated with perceived environment, independent mobility and gender, but not with neighborhood type. Inner-city participants reported a higher number and greater variety of OP areas (23 vs. 14). Three main barriers of OP were identified—low quality and poorly maintained play areas, other people in public spaces, and social norms that undermine OP. Thus, in order to encourage routine OP, environmental change to create safe and attractive OP settings should be accompanied by community interventions to enhance social norms that are supportive of OP.

Suggested Citation

  • Mika R. Moran & Pnina Plaut & Dafna Merom, 2017. "Is the Grass Always Greener in Suburban Neighborhoods? Outdoors Play in Suburban and Inner-City Neighborhoods," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-18, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:14:y:2017:i:7:p:759-:d:104291
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Penelope Carroll & Karen Witten & Robin Kearns & Phil Donovan, 2015. "Kids in the City: Children's Use and Experiences of Urban Neighbourhoods in Auckland, New Zealand," Journal of Urban Design, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 20(4), pages 417-436, October.
    2. Corburn, J., 2004. "Confronting the Challenges in Reconnecting Urban Planning and Public Health," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 94(4), pages 541-546.
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    1. Ester Ayllón & Nieves Moyano & Azucena Lozano & María-Jesús Cava, 2019. "Parents’ Willingness and Perception of Children’s Autonomy as Predictors of Greater Independent Mobility to School," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-14, February.
    2. Justine S. Sefcik & Michelle C. Kondo & Heather Klusaritz & Elisa Sarantschin & Sara Solomon & Abbey Roepke & Eugenia C. South & Sara F. Jacoby, 2019. "Perceptions of Nature and Access to Green Space in Four Urban Neighborhoods," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-13, June.

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