Incorporating a Heatlh Impact Assessment into the Indy Parks Comprehensive Plan

Health impact assessment (HIA) is, “a combination of procedures, methods, and tools by which a policy, program, or project may be judged as to its potential effects on the health of a population and the distribution of those effects within the population” (WHO Centre for European Policy, 1999). The purpose of this HIA was to quantify park usage of Indy Parks and Recreation and to examine behaviors of park use, as well as limiting factors to non-park use in the Indianapolis community. Using a survey design and a convenient sample in each of the nine townships, a ratio of 3:2 park users compared to non-park users was identified. Trends for park use included visiting parks in close proximity the home, traveling by car to parks, and length of stays at approximately 30 to 60 minutes. Non-park users were willing to travel up to 15 miles to reach outdoor recreation activities; however, many cited a lack of time, being unaware of park activities, and not having a reason to use the parks. Favorite recreation activities for all respondents were consistent with other recreation-related studies. Recommendations were then made to Indy Parks and Recreation based on survey results. Relatively low survey response and inconsistency among surveys used in the townships presented issues of validity and reliability to the assessment. Areas of future research include evaluation of the implementation and effectiveness of recommendations and continued input from non-park users.