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The potential for pocket parks to increase physical activity
American Journal of Health Promotion : AJHP
|January 2, 2014
Summary
New pocket parks in low-income neighborhoods effectively promote physical activity and are cost-effective. These parks encourage families to walk, but additional strategies may be needed to increase overall resident usage.
Area of Science:
- Urban planning and public health
- Community development and recreation studies
Background:
- Low-income neighborhoods often lack accessible green spaces.
- The creation of pocket parks offers a potential solution to increase recreational opportunities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utilization and impact of new pocket parks in low-income urban areas.
- To compare the effectiveness of pocket parks in promoting physical activity against traditional neighborhood parks.
Main Methods:
- A quasi-experimental, post-test only comparison study was conducted in Los Angeles.
- Park usage and physical activity were measured using the System of Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) tool and surveys.
- Data were collected from residents and park users near pocket parks and larger neighborhood parks.
Main Results:
- Pocket parks demonstrated favorable use in promoting moderate-to-vigorous physical activity compared to existing playground spaces.
- The cost-effectiveness of pocket parks was calculated at $0.73 per metabolic equivalent hour gained.
- Pocket park users typically walked an average of 0.25 miles to access the parks.
Conclusions:
- Pocket parks can enhance physical activity, particularly among families with children, when perceived as safe and attractive.
- Further strategies and programming may be necessary to maximize resident engagement and park utilization.
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