Using the Public Open Space Attributable Index tool to assess children’s public open space use and access by independent mobility

Children’s independent travel to public open space differs by ethnicityThe primary aim of this investigation was to determine if a combined measure of public open space (POS) quality and size was associated with POS use and independent travel to POS in a sample of children living in urban neighborhoods. For this investigation, the Public Open Space Attributable Index (POSAI) was applied. The POSAI combines measures of POS quality (environmental attributes) and quantity (size of POS) with child behaviors. It was expected that higher POSAI scores would equate to increased levels of independent mobility to POS.

A total of 240 children (aged 9–12) and their parents/caregivers participated in this investigation. Child mobility data was obtained from child travel diaries completed over a period of seven consecutive days which included time, origin, destination, mode of travel (e.g. walking, cycling, motorized vehicle, and scootering), and accompaniment status. Telephone interviews were used to collect information from the parents regarding child, parent and household demographics and parental license (freedom afforded to their child to go to particular destinations or play on their own, without adult supervision).

An analysis of the data indicated that better quality or larger POS did not influence any trips or independently mobile trips to POS. Thus, the expectation that higher POSAI scores would equate to increased levels of independent mobility to POS was not supported. This is in contrast to previous studies that have shown that better quality POS was associated with higher POS use and increased activity among children. What this study did find is that, when examining relationships between the POSAI with total trips to POS and independently mobile trips to POS, significant associations were found with level of parental license of freedom as well as ethnicity. Children of Samoan descent were more likely to travel independently than children of European descent. The authors discuss possible reasons for the differences relating to ethnicity as well as the unexpected results regarding POSAI scores and children’s independent mobility to public open space.