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ARS Home » Plains Area » Grand Forks, North Dakota » Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center » Healthy Body Weight Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #295380
Title: Park-like campus settings and physical activity

Author
item Roemmich, James
item BALANTEKIN, KATHERINE - University Of Buffalo
item Beeler, Joley

Submitted to: Journal of American College Health
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/14/2014
Publication Date: 1/5/2015
Publication URL: https://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/60644
Citation: Roemmich, J.N., Balantekin, K.N., Beeler, J.E. 2015. Park-like campus settings and physical activity. Journal of American College Health. 63(1):68-72.

Interpretive Summary: Urban communities can have limited access to natural environments for physical activity. Parks and college campuses may serve as important community resources within urban centers to promote physical activity. This research compared the visitation and physical activity intensity of males and females at urban parks and campuses. More males than females were observed being active in both parks and on college campuses. In parks, the greatest number of visitors was observed on paths, then sports fields, courts, playgrounds, and open green space. The results were very similar on college campuses. The greatest numbers of students were observed on paths, then squares, sports fields, courts, and open green space. There was no difference in the proportion of adults engaged in MVPA between parks (81%) and campuses (82%). Thus, there is little difference in the amenities that promote physical activity in parks and college campuses. Efforts should focus on understanding the outdoor built amenities that would promote physical activity of young women.

Technical Abstract: Background: Urban communities can have limited access to natural environments for physical activity. Parks and college campuses may serve as pastoral islands within urban centers to promote physical activity. Purpose: To utilize a course centered on a quantitative field research experience to provide non-thesis graduate students a background in built environment influences on health behaviors and exposure to research. The purpose of the research was to compare the visitation and physical activity intensity of males and females using targeted amenities at urban parks and campuses. Methods: Observation to assess physical activity at common facilities across 3 urban parks and campuses 3 times/day for 4 days during a two-week period in mid-April, 2011 and analyzed April 2011 and March 2013. Results: More males than females were observed at parks. The greatest number of visitors was observed on paths (97% engaged in MVPA), then sports fields (33% MVPA), courts (69% MVPA), playgrounds (60% MVPA), and open green space (62% MVPA). More males than females were also observed at campuses. The greatest numbers of students were observed on paths (96% engaged in MVPA), then squares (80% MVPA), sports fields (68% MVPA), courts (88% MVPA), and open green space (89% MVPA). There was no difference in the proportion of adults engaged in MVPA between parks (81%) and campuses (82%). Conclusions: There is little difference in the amenities that promote physical activity in parks and college campuses. Efforts should focus on understanding the outdoor built amenities that would promote physical activity of young women.