Strategies for increasing community park usage: Findings from Michigan's Building Healthy Communities initiative

Background: Since 2005, the Michigan Department of Community Health has provided funding to 25 local health departments through the Building Healthy Communities program. A key strategy in this initiative is to implement policy and environmental change interventions to create or enhance access for physical activity in underserved communities. Between 2007 and 2009, seven health departments were funded to enhance and promote 14 community parks. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of funded interventions designed to increase park usage. Methods: Physical activity levels were measured pre and post intervention using the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC). Interventions included installing and extending walking paths within parks, adding equipment such as bike racks and playgrounds, installing benches, adding lighting and removing shrubbery to increase perceptions of park safety, and repairing dilapidated equipment. Results: To date, 4,137 users were observed in 14 parks (45% female, 55% male). Forty percent (n=1,674) of park users were observed participating in vigorous activity and 37% (n=1,535) were observed walking. Children and teens comprised the largest group of park users (70%, n=2,896). Adding or extending walking paths was associated with significant increases in physical activity in four parks. Addressing safety issues was associated with increased physical activity in both parks implementing this strategy. Conclusion: Enhancing and promoting parks are important strategies for increasing physical activity in underserved communities, especially among children and teens.