Source: American Journal of Public Health, Published ahead of print

Authors: Takemi Sugiyama, Jacinta Francis, Nicholas Middleton, Neville Owen and Billie Giles-Corti

Commentary by Kelly Kennington, Heart Foundation

This study of 1366 adults examined whether attractiveness, size or proximity of a neighbourhood open space was more strongly associated with recreational walking. Participants were drawn from the Residential Environments (RESIDE) study in Perth, and geographical information systems and park audit data were used to identify the largest, most attractive and nearest neighbourhood open spaces within a 1.6km radius of where participants lived. Recreational walking was measured by asking participants to report their total time spent walking within their neighbourhood.

Results showed that having a large, attractive open space within 1.6km of home is likely to encourage participation in sufficient recreational walking for health benefits, however the attractiveness of open space may be more important than size or number of open spaces alone. The authors suggest some practical improvements to open spaces, such as redesigning features to add trees and walking paths around the perimeter, adding park benches and providing play equipment for children.

This study shows that the area of ‘attractiveness’ warrants further investigation to examine how elements of an open space can increase park use and promote physical activity.  It has particular relevance to urban design policies for new housing developments, as well as other sectors such as sport and recreation and local government where opportunities exist to improve existing open spaces.

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