Improved maintenance, marketing and messaging may promote physical activity in parksThe aim of this study was to examine park users’ perceptions affecting their park use and park-based physical activity (PA) in low-income neighborhoods. The Integrated Behavioral Model (IBM) provided the framework for this study. IBM is based on the idea that attitudes, perceived norms, and personal agency determine behavioral intentions and, in turn, actual behavior. For purposes of this study, this mean that attitudes about being active in a park would be influenced by beliefs about the outcomes one could achieve, such as enjoyment or calories burned. Perceived norms suggest that one’s beliefs about how others approve of and perform physical activity behaviors would influence their own behaviors. Personal agency – which includes perceived control and self-efficacy -- relates to an individual’s ability to perform certain behaviors. For purposes of this study, perceived facilitators and barriers to park usage would relate to personal agency.
Twenty-six adults and fifteen youth from low-income neighborhoods in Kansas City, MO (KCMO) participated in this study. Each participant was assigned to one of six targeted focus groups: two youth, two adult, and two parent groups. Participants were asked to share information about what they try to achieve by being active in parks, who influences their decision to be physically active, and what would help them be more active in the parks. They were also asked to share information about what they perceive as facilitators of and barriers to being active in parks.
Attitudes toward park-based PA focused on motivations for performing PA and on associated health-related outcomes. Key motivations for using the parks included social interaction and solitude. Nature appreciation was also identified as a motivator. These motivations and the desired outcomes highlight the importance of parks for mental and physical health. Discussion about perceived norms indicated that participants were influenced in their level of PA by others, especially others with similar ethnic makeup. Social and safety factors were cited as both facilitators and constraints to park usage. Park offerings and setting also influenced park usage. Participants in all six focus groups cited aesthetics as a facilitator, primarily mentioning attractive landscaping and natural features such as water and wildlife. Youth and adult participants found that being in the woods, watching/feeding birds, looking at flowers and trees, breathing fresh air, being near water, and enjoying open green space were reasons for using and enjoying the parks.
Overall, the participants cited a wide range of motivations, normative beliefs, and facilitators and constraints to park-based PA. These findings are consistent with previous research highlighting the importance of using a range of messages targeted at specific groups to promote PA in the parks. This information can be used by park professional to guide the marketing and messaging regarding increasing PA in parks.
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