Understanding the Relationship Between Park Characteristics and Physical Activity Levels

Background: Public parks are a low- to no-cost resource for leisure time physical activity (PA); but they are often underutilized. Few studies have examined the impact of specific park features on park use and activity levels. This study explores the relationship between modifiable park characteristics and observed PA levels of park users. Methods: Trained observers used SOPARC (System for Observing Play and Active Recreation in Communities) to assess the characteristics of users (i.e., age, gender, PA levels), target area (e.g., tennis courts, baseball fields, playground) and characteristics (e.g., accessibility, usability, equipped, organized) in 8 community parks in Southern San Diego County. Data were collected in a total of 147 target zones over five days in each park. Results: Tennis courts were least likely to be found empty. If available, fitness rooms were attractive and encouraged the most vigorous PA (49.6% of male users and 42.6% of female users). Open grass fields were heavily used by organized soccer leagues and promoted moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among males. Parks with baseball fields drew the largest number of people (n=3,871), however, many were observed being sedentary (n=2,683, 69%). Playgrounds promoted MVPA among adult women, while seniors were most likely to be found in pools and on walking paths. Implications: The findings may shed light on how environmental characteristics, such as target areas of public parks, are associated with physical activity. This knowledge can be helpful in developing future parks as well as improving current ones, to facilitate PA among community residents.