Examining Health-Related Effects of Refurbishment to Parks in a Lower Socioeconomic Area: The ShadePlus Natural Experiment

Suzanne J. Dobbinson, Jody Simmons, James A. Chamberlain, Robert J. MacInnis, Jo Salmon, Petra K. Staiger, Melanie Wakefield and Jenny Veitch
Additional contact information
Suzanne J. Dobbinson: Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
Jody Simmons: Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
James A. Chamberlain: Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
Robert J. MacInnis: Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
Jo Salmon: Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
Petra K. Staiger: School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
Melanie Wakefield: Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
Jenny Veitch: Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-21

Abstract: Degraded parks in disadvantaged areas are underutilized for recreation, which may impact long-term health. Using a natural experiment, we examined the effects of local government refurbishments to parks (n = 3 intervention; n = 3 comparison) in low socioeconomic areas (LSEA) of Melbourne on park use, health behavior, social engagement and psychological well-being. Amenities promoting physical activity and sun protection included walking paths, playground equipment and built shade. Outcomes were measured via systematic observations, and self-report surveys of park visitors over three years. The refurbishments significantly increased park use, while shade use increased only in parks with shade sails. A trend for increased social engagement was also detected. Findings infer improvement of quality, number and type of amenities in degraded parks can substantially increase park use in LSEA. Findings support provision of shade over well-designed playgrounds in future park refurbishments to enhance engagement and sun protection behavior. Further research should identify park amenities to increase physical activity.

Keywords: public health; intervention; parks/trails; neighborhood/community; behavior change; active living; low income (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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