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Evaluating Park Use and Satisfaction: The Case of Trojan Park in St. Louis Missouri

Author

Listed:
  • Diana C. Parra

    (Program in Physical Therapy, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, 4444 Forest Park Ave, Campus Box 8502, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA)

  • Alexandria Van Zandt

    (Program in Physical Therapy, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, 4444 Forest Park Ave, Campus Box 8502, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA)

  • Peter Wang

    (Department of Pathology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA)

  • Micah Goodman

    (Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA)

  • Janardan Abhishek

    (Department of Biology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA)

  • Debra Haire-Joshu

    (Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
    Center for Diabetes Translation Research, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA)

  • Ross C. Brownson

    (Prevention Research Center in St. Louis, Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, Campus Box 1196, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
    Department of Surgery (Division of Public Health Sciences) and Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA)

Abstract

Background : Providing public access to exercise and play is vital for health promotion across populations. We evaluated the use of and satisfaction at Trojan Park, a multigenerational playground with multiple activity areas and fitness zones in the city of Wellston in St. Louis County, MO. Methods : We used video footage and the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC), which is a valid and reliable system for collecting data on physical activity in parks. We then performed intercept interviews to gather user information and measure overall satisfaction with the park. Results : The park received a variety of attendees across age groups, with children and middle-aged adults representing 41.1% and 50.3% of total park users, respectively. During the time observed, 47% of attendees were engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), 22% were engaged in light physical activity (walking), and 30% were sedentary. We also observed participants spending the most time on the basketball court (38%), playground (28%), and picnic (17%) areas. Park users traveled a wide range of distances to access the park and the overwhelming majority reported a high level of satisfaction. Conclusions : Our findings demonstrate that multigenerational playgrounds with access to various activities and fitness zones may provide social and physical health benefits.

Suggested Citation

  • Diana C. Parra & Alexandria Van Zandt & Peter Wang & Micah Goodman & Janardan Abhishek & Debra Haire-Joshu & Ross C. Brownson, 2019. "Evaluating Park Use and Satisfaction: The Case of Trojan Park in St. Louis Missouri," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-13, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:15:p:2798-:d:255069
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Parra, D.C. & McKenzie, T.L. & Ribeiro, I.C. & Hino, A.A.F. & Dreisinger, M. & Coniglio, K. & Munk, M. & Brownson, R.C. & Pratt, M. & Hoehner, C.M. & Simoes, E.J., 2010. "Assessing physical activity in public parks in Brazil using systematic observation," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 100(8), pages 1420-1426.
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    1. Vincenza Gianfredi & Maddalena Buffoli & Andrea Rebecchi & Roberto Croci & Aurea Oradini-Alacreu & Giuseppe Stirparo & Alessio Marino & Anna Odone & Stefano Capolongo & Carlo Signorelli, 2021. "Association between Urban Greenspace and Health: A Systematic Review of Literature," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-23, May.
    2. Rosario Padial-Ruz & Mª Esther Puga-González & Álvaro Céspedes-Jiménez & David Cabello-Manrique, 2021. "Determining Factors in the Use of Urban Parks That Influence the Practice of Physical Activity in Children: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-23, March.
    3. Ying Xu & Sarah Ann Wheeler & Alec Zuo, 2022. "The Effectiveness of Interventions to Increase Participation and Physical Activities in Parks: A Systematic Review of the Literature," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-20, October.

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