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What do adults want in parks? A qualitative study using walk-along interviews

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journal contribution
posted on 2022-01-01, 00:00 authored by Jenny VeitchJenny Veitch, Nicole BiggsNicole Biggs, B Deforche, Anna TimperioAnna Timperio
Abstract
Background
Parks provide opportunities for physical activity and social interaction and are critical for enhancing public health. It is therefore important to better understand the needs and preferences of park features among adults to help park designers to create parks that optimise use. This qualitative study provided an in-depth examination of factors and characteristics that influence visitation, park-based physical activity, and social interaction among adults (19–64 years). We also explored perceptions of parks and park use and impacts of COVID on park usage and needs.

Methods
Participants (n = 27, 40.4 years [+ 11.9], 70% female) were interviewed from 2017 to 2020 while walking through one of eight diverse parks located in varying socioeconomic areas of metropolitan Melbourne, Australia. Participants were prompted to discuss their experiences, opinions and preferences regarding park features. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using NVivo 12 software.

Results
Park features and characteristics highly valued for visitation related to aesthetics and atmosphere, including trees, gardens, spaciousness, and water features. Features most valued for physical activity included walking and bike tracks, basketball rings, nice aesthetics, and sports walls. Features most valued for social interaction included seating and tables, and picnic/barbecue areas.

Conclusions
This study highlights features and characteristics that may be important to prioritise, to encourage active and social park visits among adults. This evidence will help policy and decision makers, urban planners, landscape architects, and local, state, and national government organisations to create parks that support adults to lead healthy and active lives. Future research should examine the relative importance of the features identified in this study to inform future park design/redesign.

History

Journal

BMC Public Health

Volume

22

Issue

1

Article number

753

Pagination

1 - 11

Publisher

BMC

Location

London, Eng.

ISSN

1471-2458

eISSN

1471-2458

Language

English

Publication classification

C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal

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