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Play-Friendly Communities in Nova Scotia, Canada: A Content Analysis of Physical Activity and Active Transportation Strategies

Author

Listed:
  • Hilary A. T. Caldwell

    (Healthy Populations Institute, Dalhousie University, 1318 Robie Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3E2, Canada)

  • Joshua Yusuf

    (Healthy Populations Institute, Dalhousie University, 1318 Robie Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3E2, Canada
    School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, P.O. Box 15000, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada)

  • Mike Arthur

    (Healthy Populations Institute, Dalhousie University, 1318 Robie Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3E2, Canada
    School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, P.O. Box 15000, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada)

  • Camille L. Hancock Friesen

    (Healthy Populations Institute, Dalhousie University, 1318 Robie Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3E2, Canada
    Division of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, Children’s Health and Medical Centre, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 8200 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE 68114, USA)

  • Sara F. L. Kirk

    (Healthy Populations Institute, Dalhousie University, 1318 Robie Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3E2, Canada
    School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, P.O. Box 15000, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada)

Abstract

The Play-Friendly Cities framework describes key municipal actions and indicators which support a community’s playability and can positively influence children’s health behaviors and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to conduct a content analysis of Nova Scotia physical activity (PA) and active transportation (AT) strategies by applying the playability criteria in the Play-Friendly Cities framework. Methods: PA and AT strategies from communities across Nova Scotia were assessed using the Play-Friendly Cities framework. Strategy content was analyzed based on indicators across four themes: participation of children in decision making, safe and active routes around the community, safe and accessible informal play environments, and evidence-informed design of formal play spaces. Results: Forty-two (28 PA,14 AT) strategies were reviewed and all included statements reflective of at least one indicator (8 ± 4; range: 1–14). Content about safe and active routes around the community was most prevalent (41 plans, 812 mentions), while participation of children in decision making was least frequently presented (18 plans, 39 mentions). Content about safe and accessible informal play environments (31 plans, 119 mentions) and evidence-informed design of formal play spaces (28 plans, 199 mentions) was also present. Conclusions: All PA and AT strategies included some content reflective of a Play-Friendly City; however, there was great variability in the number of included indicators. This summary provides key information on opportunities, such as increasing meaningful involvement of children in decision making, that can inform future municipal actions and policies to improve a community’s playability.

Suggested Citation

  • Hilary A. T. Caldwell & Joshua Yusuf & Mike Arthur & Camille L. Hancock Friesen & Sara F. L. Kirk, 2022. "Play-Friendly Communities in Nova Scotia, Canada: A Content Analysis of Physical Activity and Active Transportation Strategies," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-11, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:5:p:2984-:d:763757
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Daniel W. Harrington & Jocelyn W. Jarvis & Heather Manson, 2017. "Parents’ Perceived Barriers to Accessing Sports and Recreation Facilities in Ontario, Canada: Exploring the Relationships between Income, Neighbourhood Deprivation, and Community," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-15, October.
    2. Mark S. Tremblay & Casey Gray & Shawna Babcock & Joel Barnes & Christa Costas Bradstreet & Dawn Carr & Guylaine Chabot & Louise Choquette & David Chorney & Cam Collyer & Susan Herrington & Katherine J, 2015. "Position Statement on Active Outdoor Play," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-31, June.
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