Limitations
Our study has several limitations. Although we interviewed over
4000 individuals, we observed only 30 parks. This small sample size
will allow us to detect only effects that are large. The parks were also
assessed in different seasons. Although weather variation is not large,
the differences in park use may be partly attributable to differences in
the number and types of programs offered seasonally (e.g., softball,
soccer, swimming), rather than due to weather. Finally, the reports of
park programs are limited to those sponsored by the park, and do not
account for other organizations who use the facilities with or without
permits. However, our observations did take into account all
organized activities occurring during the time periods of our
observations, and this factor was the most strongly related to the
number of park users.
Conclusion
Investments in park programming and unique park features
appear to be associated with higher use. Given that a majority of
residents did not participate in park programs, outreach must be a
priority. Regardless of budgets, marketing orientation of management
has the potential to increase park use (Bright, 2000; Kaczynski, 2008)
and previous studies have documented that lack of awareness of park
programs is an important barrier to park use (Godbey, 1985; Scott and
Jackson, 1996). Furthermore, because parks currently serve a fraction
of the local population, and their limited programs mainly target
children, developing programs and activities that will draw adults and
entire families is necessary. Greater public support for public parks
and programming may be fostered if more services are provided.
Conflict of interest statement
All authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.
Acknowledgments
This project was supported by NHLBI No. R01HL083869. We thank
the reviewers for their insights and thoughtful suggestions.
Limitations
Our study has several limitations. Although we interviewed over
4000 individuals, we observed only 30 parks. This small sample size
will allow us to detect only effects that are large. The parks were also
assessed in different seasons. Although weather variation is not large,
the differences in park use may be partly attributable to differences in
the number and types of programs offered seasonally (e.g., softball,
soccer, swimming), rather than due to weather. Finally, the reports of
park programs are limited to those sponsored by the park, and do not
account for other organizations who use the facilities with or without
permits. However, our observations did take into account all
organized activities occurring during the time periods of our
observations, and this factor was the most strongly related to the
number of park users.
Conclusion
Investments in park programming and unique park features
appear to be associated with higher use. Given that a majority of
residents did not participate in park programs, outreach must be a
priority. Regardless of budgets, marketing orientation of management
has the potential to increase park use (Bright, 2000; Kaczynski, 2008)
and previous studies have documented that lack of awareness of park
programs is an important barrier to park use (Godbey, 1985; Scott and
Jackson, 1996). Furthermore, because parks currently serve a fraction
of the local population, and their limited programs mainly target
children, developing programs and activities that will draw adults and
entire families is necessary. Greater public support for public parks
and programming may be fostered if more services are provided.
Conflict of interest statement
All authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.
Acknowledgments
This project was supported by NHLBI No. R01HL083869. We thank
the reviewers for their insights and thoughtful suggestions.
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