Parks and Recreation System Planning

Parks and Recreation System Planning PDF

Author: David Barth

Publisher: Island Press

Published: 2020-07-21

Total Pages: 298

ISBN-13: 1610919335

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Parks and recreation systems have evolved in remarkable ways over the past two decades. No longer just playgrounds and ballfields, parks and open spaces have become recognized as essential green infrastructure with the potential to contribute to community resiliency and sustainability. To capitalize on this potential, the parks and recreation system planning process must evolve as well. In Parks and Recreation System Planning, David Barth provides a new, step-by-step approach to creating parks systems that generate greater economic, social, and environmental benefits. Barth first advocates that parks and recreation systems should no longer be regarded as isolated facilities, but as elements of an integrated public realm. Each space should be designed to generate multiple community benefits. Next, he presents a new approach for parks and recreation planning that is integrated into community-wide issues. Chapters outline each step—evaluating existing systems, implementing a carefully crafted plan, and more—necessary for creating a successful, adaptable system. Throughout the book, he describes initiatives that are creating more resilient, sustainable, and engaging parks and recreation facilities, drawing from his experience consulting in more than 100 communities across the U.S. Parks and Recreation System Planning meets the critical need to provide an up-to-date, comprehensive approach for planning parks and recreation systems across the country. This is essential reading for every parks and recreation professional, design professional, and public official who wants their community to thrive.

Association of Park-use, Preferences of Park Features, and Physical Activity Among City Residents Varying in Socioeconomic Status

Association of Park-use, Preferences of Park Features, and Physical Activity Among City Residents Varying in Socioeconomic Status PDF

Author: Emily Pineda

Publisher:

Published: 2014

Total Pages: 119

ISBN-13:

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Public parks can play a substantial role in increasing physical activity (PA) because they offer a wide range of either free or low-cost activities. For many Americans, there are limitations on the environment and resources where they can be physically active. Parks are important resources for promoting PA, yet few studies have examined how preferences of park features relate to physical activity levels and socioeconomic status (SES). This study investigated associations between city park use and PA levels across low and higher SES groups. A secondary purpose of the study was to assess the association between preferences of park features used for PA and PA levels across low and higher SES groups. Data were collected via questionnaire from 318 city residents. Descriptive analysis provided means, standard deviations and frequencies. Independent t-tests were run to examine the differences among low and higher SES residents' survey responses. A chi-square test was used to determine the association between a being physical activity at a park (Yes/No) and IPAQ categories. An additional chi-square test was used to determine the association between a having a neighborhood park present (Yes/No) and IPAQ categories, income category and IPAQ categories. A Pearson's correlation was used to assess the relationship of minutes of self-reported park usage and self-reported minutes per week of physical activity from the IPAQ. Finally, binary logistic regression models were used to assess (a) park-based physical activity was related to physical activity from the IPAQ; and (b) the a relationship between specific park features and meeting physical activity guidelines from the IPAQ. Binary logistic regression models were calculated individually for low SES, high SES, and total sample. All the logistics regression analyses were adjusted for age and gender. The significance level was set at alpha [less than or equal to] .05. Responses for open-ended survey questions were qualitatively examined. The researcher first read through all comments several times to become familiar with the content. Then meaning units were created and coded based on words or statements that communicate the same central meaning through their content. The results of this study indicated a positive relationship between park-based PA and PA measured by the IPAQ. The most visited parks' main features were open space, trails, and sidewalks. Participants reported using open space, trails, and sidewalks the most. There were no differences in either park use or park features used for physical activity by SES group. Specific park features were not related with PA levels (p>.05). Adults who reported being physically active at a park were more likely to meet PA recommendations compared to those not active at a park (OR= 2.01, 95% CI= 1.20-3.36). A similar finding was observed for the high SES group (OR=1.90, 95% CI=1.05-3.50), but not the low SES group (OR=2.35, 95% CI=0.8-6.90). Better measuring and understanding how the park preferences of city residents are associated with physical activity and health may improve the understanding of how parks facilitate active living.

Rethinking Urban Parks

Rethinking Urban Parks PDF

Author: Setha M. Low

Publisher: University of Texas Press

Published: 2009-05-21

Total Pages: 241

ISBN-13: 029277821X

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A study of public recreation space and how urban developers can encourage ethnic diversity through planning that supports multiculturalism. Urban parks such as New York City’s Central Park provide vital public spaces where city dwellers of all races and classes can mingle safely while enjoying a variety of recreations. By coming together in these relaxed settings, different groups become comfortable with each other, thereby strengthening their communities and the democratic fabric of society. But just the opposite happens when, by design or in ignorance, parks are made inhospitable to certain groups of people. This pathfinding book argues that cultural diversity should be a key goal in designing and maintaining urban parks. Using case studies of New York City’s Prospect Park, Orchard Beach in Pelham Bay Park, and Jacob Riis Park in the Gateway National Recreation Area, as well as New York’s Ellis Island Bridge Proposal and Philadelphia's Independence National Historical Park, the authors identify specific ways to promote, maintain, and manage cultural diversity in urban parks. They also uncover the factors that can limit park use, including historical interpretive materials that ignore the contributions of different ethnic groups, high entrance or access fees, park usage rules that restrict ethnic activities, and park “restorations” that focus only on historical or aesthetic values. With the wealth of data in this book, urban planners, park professionals, and all concerned citizens will have the tools to create and maintain public parks that serve the needs and interests of all the public.

Public Perceptions of Urban Community Park Benefits

Public Perceptions of Urban Community Park Benefits PDF

Author: Leonelle Vincia D'Souza

Publisher:

Published: 2012

Total Pages:

ISBN-13:

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This thesis is a study of the public perceptions of urban community park benefits and the identity they foster among people. It addresses the conjecture that parks, by encouraging self-expression through interaction and use, contribute to the identity of a place(Garvin 2000). Identity is a way of organizing information about the self (Clayton and Opotow 2003) and perception is an experience which is occasioned by the stimulation of sense organs (Dennis 1951). These have practical implications on research. Understanding people's response to their surroundings leads to an understanding of perceptions of self and community. Park benefits are gained through interaction among people and the surrounding environment. Activities which form these benefits include social connections, health of mind and body, restorative setting, recreation and environmental education (Clayton and Opotow 2003; Garvin 2000; Taylor 1999). This research study examines the perceptions of users and designers regarding three classifications of park benefits: Public health; social, and economic (Sherer 2003; More et al 1988). The literature review examines the existing knowledge base of open space and park use and their benefits from established reports, for example, Journal of Landscape Research (JLR) and Trust for Public Land (TPL), with design program data for each park; as extracted from the 2004 Arlington Parks Recreation and Open Space Master Plan, and the Hike and Bike System Master Plan for the City of Arlington, Texas. The study then ties these data to the three park benefits of public health, social, and economic. In so doing, the study also provides an understanding of the elements regarding identity and the environment (Lindholm 2007; Kaplan and Kaplan 1998; Clayton and Opotow 2003). This research uses qualitative data collection and analysis techniques--observable behavior and interviews (Taylor and Bogdan 1998)--with data gathered from interviews with landscape architects and park and recreation professionals involved in three chosen parks in Arlington, Texas. The three community parks selected for the study include a linear community park, a large community park, and a campus community park. These parks are the River legacy Park, Veteran's Park and the Green at College Park, respectively. Data from park visitors was included to determine user perceptions regarding the three park benefits. Data collected from these observations and interviews revealed the qualitative effects of public park spaces on individuals as executed by park designers. The resultant finding measures user perceptions and expands the understanding of the role of landscape architects in fostering that link. The findings appear to agree with the literature reviewed for this research. The public health benefits and economic benefits were identified by park users as the main attractions of the parks studied; these tie into information gleaned from the literature review.

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