A longitudinal examination of improved access on park use and physical activity in a low-income and majority African American neighborhood park

Parks can be an important, low-cost neighborhood resource to increase physical activity and reduce overweight and obesity. The quality of parks, however, may impact use. This study used observational data to examine the relationships between park quality, park usage and levels of physical activity among users in 31 parks within low-income, African American neighborhoods. Relationships between park use and park characteristics (signs of disorder, attractiveness, and number of activity settings) varied by gender and user activity level. No variables of interest were significant for overall number of male users; whereas, disorder and attractiveness were significant for overall number of female users. Parks with signs of disorder were associated with 49% fewer female users (IRR = 0.51, 95% CI = (0.34–0.77)) and attractive parks with 146% more female users (IRR = 2.46, 95% CI = (1.39–4.33)). Similar significant relationships were found among active but not sedentary female users. Communities may consider increasing park maintenance and addressing attractiveness in existing parks as a relatively low-cost environmental strategy to encourage park use, increase physical activity, and reduce the burden of obesity, especially among women in low-income, African-American communities.

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Attitudes About Perceived Park Safety Among Residents in Low-Income and High Minority Kansas City, Missouri, Neighborhoods

Environment and Behavior ◽

10.1177/0013916518814291 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 52 (6) ◽

pp. 639-665 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Lisa Groshong ◽

Sonja A. Wilhelm Stanis ◽

Andrew T. Kaczynski ◽

J. Aaron Hipp

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Social Interactions ◽

Low Income ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Kansas City ◽

Outdoor Recreation ◽

Green Space ◽

Park Use ◽

Structural Environment ◽

Safety Constraints

Parks benefit communities by supporting the physical, mental, and social health of their residents. This is especially important in urban areas, where parks provide essential access to green space, and especially among low-income populations who may lack alternative venues for outdoor recreation. However, although urban parks may ostensibly be accessible, their use can be influenced by factors including perceptions and realities of safety. This qualitative study explored the issue of safety as it relates to park use and park-based physical activity from six focus groups with 41 total participants in urban Kansas City, Missouri. As a facilitator to safety, participants described social interactions and structural environment factors. Safety constraints emerged along five main themes: violence, concerning behavior, lack of maintenance, lack of lighting, and traffic/busy roads. This study adds to the literature establishing safety as a complex and multidimensional factor influencing park usage and physical activity.

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Development of a Theater-Based Nutrition and Physical Activity Intervention for Low-Income, Urban, African American Adolescents

Progress in Community Health Partnerships Research Education and Action ◽

10.1353/cpr.0.0115 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 89-98 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Caree J. Jackson ◽

Rebecca M. Mullis ◽

Marilyn Hughes

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

African American ◽

Low Income ◽

Physical Activity Intervention ◽

African American Adolescents ◽

Nutrition And Physical Activity

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A Stage-Targeted Physical Activity Intervention among a Predominantly African-American Low-Income Primary Care Population

American Journal of Health Promotion ◽

10.4278/0890-1171-21.3.160 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 21 (3) ◽

pp. 160-163 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Dori Whitehead ◽

Jamie S. Bodenlos ◽

Margaret L. Cowles ◽

Glenn N. Jones ◽

Phillip J. Brantley

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Primary Care ◽

African American ◽

Low Income ◽

Physical Activity Intervention ◽

Primary Care Population

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Effect of Changes to the Neighborhood Built Environment on Physical Activity in a Low-Income African American Neighborhood

Preventing Chronic Disease ◽

10.5888/pcd9.110165 ◽

2012 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

J Gustat ◽

J Rice ◽

KM Parker ◽

AB Becker ◽

TA Farley

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

African American ◽

Built Environment ◽

Low Income ◽

Neighborhood Built Environment

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Go Girls!: Results from a Nutrition and Physical Activity Program for Low-Income, Overweight African American Adolescent Females

Health Education & Behavior ◽

10.1177/109019810002700507 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 27 (5) ◽

pp. 616-631 ◽

Cited By ~ 98

Author(s):

Ken Resnicow ◽

Amy Lazarus Yaroch ◽

Anissa Davis ◽

Dongqing Terry Wang ◽

Sakinah Carter ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

African American ◽

Low Income ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Behavioral Activity ◽

Control Group ◽

Low Fat ◽

Cognitive Assessments ◽

African American Adolescent ◽

Adolescent Women

This article describes the development, implementation, and results of an intervention designed for inner-city, overweight African American adolescent women. Fifty-seven participants were recruited from four public housing developments. Participants were administered physiologic, dietary, and cognitive assessments at baseline and immediately postintervention. Each session comprised three elements: (1) an educational/behavioral activity, (2) 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity, and (3) preparation and tasting of low-fat meals. In the absence of a control group, results were compared for high and low attenders, the former defined as attending at least 50% of the sessions. High attenders ( n = 26) showed more favorable 6-month posttest values for most outcomes compared with low attenders ( n = 31). These effects achieved statistical significance for nutrition knowledge, low-fat practices, perceived changes in low-fat practices, and social support.

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Walking in a winter wonderland? an assessment of winter maintenance and physical activity features in Smythe Park, Toronto

10.32920/ryerson.14653314 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Maria Bianchi

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Low Income ◽

Strong Influence ◽

Assessment Tool ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Winter Maintenance ◽

Park Use ◽

Dog Walking ◽

Physical Activity Levels ◽

Park Quality

Objective. To determine how the features, conditions, and maintenance of a low-income park affect the use of the park for physical activity during the winter months. Method. Direct observation of park use; assessment of park quality based on a developed assessment tool; and supplementary surveys with park users. Results. The park lacked winter park features (e.g. ice rink, tobogganing hill) and supporting amenities (e.g. washrooms, rental facilities). There was evidence of winter maintenance, however, it was inconsistent: most trails were cleared of snow on all visits, but large ice patches were present and had not been cleared. The park was used primarily for walking and dog walking, although respondents noted that the lack of maintenance in the park affected if they used it for physical activity. Conclusion. Winter maintenance of parks and the presence of winter features affect park use, with snow removal, ice removal, and the presence of bathrooms having a strong influence on physical activity levels in the winter months. Park planners should consider year-round maintenance and programming in order to promote engagement in physical activity during all seasons.

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