Search

Aim: To examine the influence of redeveloping two parks based on consultation with local community and stakeholders on park visitation rates and activity levels of park users. Subject and methods: Pre–post design. Two local neighbourhood parks located in low socioeconomic areas in the regional city of Bundaberg, Australia. Number of park visitors and park users' activity levels were assessed using SOPARC pre (April–August 2013) and post (April–May 2014) park redevelopment. Park data were pooled for analysis. Pre–post differences in the park visitors and park user activity levels were examined overall and also by sex and age group (children, teen, adults, seniors) using a negative binomial generalised linear model (Stata MP 15.1, α = 0.05). Results: Average daily visitors (baseline: 5.08; follow-up: 45.09; p < 0.001) and the number of child, teen, adult, and senior visitors increased from baseline to follow-up. The daily number of park users engaged in sedentary (baseline: 1.56; follow-up: 8.30; p < 0.001), moderate-intensity (baseline: 2.61; follow-up: 26.23; p < 0.001) and vigorous activity (baseline: 0.91; follow-up: 10.56; p < 0.001) also increased. Conclusion: Redeveloping local parks, informed by community, local government and researcher stakeholder consultations increased the number of and activity levels of park users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the Active By Community Design (ABCD) project was to engage residents in the redesign of two public open spaces to increase park visits and park-based physical activity (PBPA). It was anticipated that by adding local preferences to park design considerations along with collected data and available evidence, the study would achieve increased levels of community engagement and subsequent increases in park visits and PBPA. This study summarizes two case studies outlining the community engagement and research translation process. Utilizing a pre–post evaluation design, baseline measures were completed with a series of validated tools for park use and park quality. Baseline data, evidence, community and stakeholder input were synthesized and presented to a "design subcommittee" to translate into "real-world" park redesigns. Park audits, a household survey, and park open days identified the spaces were not designed for the activities residents wanted, while park observations identified usage was low, and those observed were mostly children and adults walking. Park redesigns focused on maximizing access, infrastructure to enable physical activity (PA), PA programs and enhancements to improve aesthetics and safety concerns. The ABCD project successfully demonstrated a process of combining data and community and stakeholder engagement input to translate evidence into the creation of more supportive environments for PA. Stakeholder and resident input to the redesign processes contributed to satisfaction and ownership that residents reported on the redesigned parks, which may increase the likelihood of increased park usage and park-based physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]