Park Space, Movement and Equity: Support of Physical Activity per Square Foot by Park Features

Given the finite space available for parks in most urban areas, understanding the impact of design and park amenities on park visitation and physical activity should be considered when remodeling or creating new parks. This study analyzed park use and engagement in moderate-to-vigorous physical acti...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Community health equity research & policy (Print) 2025-01, Vol.45 (2), p.187-194
Main Authors: Cohen, Deborah A., Han, Bing, Eng, Sarah, Williamson, Stephanie, Talarowski, Meghan, McKenzie, Thomas L., Young, Deborah R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Age
Amenities
Beneficial use
Exercise
Gender
Impact analysis
Mapping
Neighborhoods
Parks
Parks & recreation areas
Physical activity
Population density
Population studies
Poverty
Public spaces
Residential density
Urban areas
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Summary:Given the finite space available for parks in most urban areas, understanding the impact of design and park amenities on park visitation and physical activity should be considered when remodeling or creating new parks. This study analyzed park use and engagement in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in specific park amenities across 198 parks in 27 US cities from the 2016 National Study of Neighborhood Parks based on each feature’s square footage. The study also specifically measured use of park space by age group and gender. After mapping the parks, measuring the square feet of the most common amenities and controlling for factors like population density, neighborhood poverty levels, and park size, we found varied and inequitable use of amenities by age and gender, with men and boys having considerably greater use than women and girls. The findings suggest that park management and design should support more efficient, equitable, and beneficial use of public spaces.
ISSN:2752-535X
2752-5368
DOI:10.1177/2752535X241273849