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Association Between Park Characteristics and Park-Based Physical Activity Using Systematic Observation: Insights from Bangkok, Thailand

Author

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  • Sigit D. Arifwidodo

    (Department of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand)

  • Orana Chandrasiri

    (International Health Policy Program, Ministry of Public Health, Bang Bua Thong, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand)

Abstract

Parks hold an essential role in promoting physical activity in urban areas. Studies have found that park characteristics such as park size, facilities, accessibility, and aesthetics are reported to have a positive association with increasing physical activity of the urban populations. However, the evidence in the context of Southeast Asian cities is still lacking, as most studies are from North America and Europe. The study explores the associations between park characteristics and park-based physical activity in Bangkok, Thailand. Ten major public parks were examined using the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC). Descriptive analysis was used to understand the characteristics of park users and park-based physical activity. A bivariate logistic regression model was employed to determine the variables of park characteristics and of having moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). We found that parks with bigger sizes and better access to public transport were associated with a higher likelihood of users having MVPA in the park. We also found that adding more facilities in the park, even if they are specifically aimed for physical activity, would not increase the likelihood of having MVPA. The findings from the study suggested that investing in better accessibility and physical quality of existing parks as well as improving equal opportunities for park use will be a more sensible option for promoting park-based physical activity in Bangkok, Thailand.

Suggested Citation

  • Sigit D. Arifwidodo & Orana Chandrasiri, 2020. "Association Between Park Characteristics and Park-Based Physical Activity Using Systematic Observation: Insights from Bangkok, Thailand," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-10, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:6:p:2559-:d:336366
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    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.
    2. Kaczynski, A.T. & Potwarka, L.R. & Saelens P, B.E., 2008. "Association of park size, distance, and features with physical activity in neighborhood parks," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 98(8), pages 1451-1456.
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    Cited by:

    1. Shengyue Miao & Nophea Sasaki & Takuji W. Tsusaka & Ekbordin Winijkul, 2023. "Park-Based Physical Activity, Users’ Socioeconomic Profiles, and Parks’ Characteristics: Empirical Evidence from Bangkok," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-16, January.
    2. Mingxin Liu & Chenxi Chen & Jiaqi Yan, 2023. "Identifying Park Spatial Characteristics That Encourage Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity among Park Visitors," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-22, March.
    3. Jinli Hu & Jueying Wu & Yangyang Sun & Xinyu Zhao & Guang Hu, 2023. "Spatiotemporal Influence of Urban Park Landscape Features on Visitor Behavior," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-13, March.

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