Application of the physical activity resource assessment (PARA) around urban schools

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) is essential for good health and proper growth and development among children and youth. PURPOSE: We observed community PA venues in neighborhoods that support two urban elementary schools predominantly populated by minority youth, and categorized them by type, specific features and amenities, quality, and accessibility. SIGNIFICANCE: Children's PA may be determined, in part, by environmental influences such as access to diverse and safe places to play. A low density of PA resources potentially contributes to the development or further exacerbation of health disparities. METHODS: The Physical Activity Resource Assessment (PARA) is a multidimensional instrument used to rate various venues on a scale from 1 (low) to 5 (high). We adapted it to focus on children's PA and safety. Four researchers assessed 76 PA venues (e.g., parks, playgrounds, community centers, sports facilities, fitness centers, dance studios, martial arts studios etc.) in a three-mile radius of the schools and rated them on their amenities, features, and incivilities. RESULTS: Of the 76 venues, 62 were considered "child friendly." The facilities' mean score was 3.98. One school had significantly more proximal resources (≤1 mile). Venues with higher PARA scores were more likely to be farther away from both schools (2 to 3 miles). Over half (51.4%) of resources were accessible at no cost. Adults indigenous to these neighborhoods confirmed PARA results. CONCLUSIONS: The PARA is readily adapted for estimating community capacity, asset mapping, and evaluating resource appropriateness and safety for children that can augment school-based physical activity promotion initiatives.