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Examining Health-Related Effects of Refurbishment to Parks in a Lower Socioeconomic Area: The ShadePlus Natural Experiment

Author

Listed:
  • Suzanne J. Dobbinson

    (Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia)

  • Jody Simmons

    (Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia)

  • James A. Chamberlain

    (Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia)

  • Robert J. MacInnis

    (Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
    Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia)

  • Jo Salmon

    (Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia)

  • Petra K. Staiger

    (School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia)

  • Melanie Wakefield

    (Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia)

  • Jenny Veitch

    (Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia)

Abstract

Degraded parks in disadvantaged areas are underutilized for recreation, which may impact long-term health. Using a natural experiment, we examined the effects of local government refurbishments to parks (n = 3 intervention; n = 3 comparison) in low socioeconomic areas (LSEA) of Melbourne on park use, health behavior, social engagement and psychological well-being. Amenities promoting physical activity and sun protection included walking paths, playground equipment and built shade. Outcomes were measured via systematic observations, and self-report surveys of park visitors over three years. The refurbishments significantly increased park use, while shade use increased only in parks with shade sails. A trend for increased social engagement was also detected. Findings infer improvement of quality, number and type of amenities in degraded parks can substantially increase park use in LSEA. Findings support provision of shade over well-designed playgrounds in future park refurbishments to enhance engagement and sun protection behavior. Further research should identify park amenities to increase physical activity.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:17:p:6102-:d:402384
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Buller, D.B. & English, D.R. & Buller, M.K. & Simmons, J. & Chamberlain, J.A. & Wakefield, M. & Dobbinson, S., 2017. "Shade sails and passive recreation in public parks of Melbourne and Denver: A randomized intervention," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 107(12), pages 1869-1875.
    2. 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.
    3. Jenny Veitch & Elliott Flowers & Kylie Ball & Benedicte Deforche & Anna Timperio, 2020. "Exploring Children’s Views on Important Park Features: A Qualitative Study Using Walk-Along Interviews," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-14, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Wenbo Li & Jiaqi Wu & Wenting Xu & Ye Zhong & Zhihao Wang, 2022. "How Thermal Perceptual Schema Mediates Landscape Quality Evaluation and Activity Willingness," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-27, October.
    2. Suzanne Jane Dobbinson & David Bard Buller & James Andrew Chamberlain & Jody Simmons & Mary Klein Buller, 2022. "Solar UV Measured under Built-Shade in Public Parks: Findings from a Randomized Trial in Denver and Melbourne," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-25, August.
    3. Phi-Yen Nguyen & Thomas Astell-Burt & Hania Rahimi-Ardabili & Xiaoqi Feng, 2021. "Green Space Quality and Health: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-38, October.

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