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Exploring Children’s Views on Important Park Features: A Qualitative Study Using Walk-Along Interviews

Author

Listed:
  • Jenny Veitch

    (Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia)

  • Elliott Flowers

    (Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne 3011, Australia)

  • Kylie Ball

    (Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia)

  • Benedicte Deforche

    (Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
    Physical Activity, Nutrition and Health research unit, Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Physical Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium)

  • Anna Timperio

    (Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia)

Abstract

Parks are places where children can interact with others and engage in physical activity in a natural setting. Park visits can enhance children’s social, mental, and physical health. It is therefore important to better understand how parks can be designed to ensure optimal use by children. This qualitative study explored children’s perceptions of park features that may influence their park visits, park-based physical activity, and social interaction. Qualitative walk-along interviews were completed with 30 children (mean age 9.7 years (SD 1.3), female n = 16) in nine parks located in varying socioeconomic areas of Melbourne, Australia. As they walked through the park, children shared thoughts regarding characteristics that may influence their visitation, park-based physical activity, and social interactions. Features that would encourage visitation included: challenging and interesting play equipment; a pond and water play area; trees/greenery and shade; and full-sized basketball courts. Features most valued for physical activity included: sports courts, ovals, and equipment; open space; trees to climb; and nature/rocks. Features most valued for social interaction included: a large size; playgrounds; and picnic areas. Children offer unique and important views. Park designers should consider inclusion of these features, when (re)developing parks to support children to lead healthy and active lives.

Suggested Citation

  • Jenny Veitch & Elliott Flowers & Kylie Ball & Benedicte Deforche & Anna Timperio, 2020. "Exploring Children’s Views on Important Park Features: A Qualitative Study Using Walk-Along Interviews," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-14, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:13:p:4625-:d:377067
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lauren Arundell & Jo Salmon & Jenny Veitch & Anna Timperio, 2019. "The Relationship between Objectively Measured and Self-Reported Sedentary Behaviours and Social Connectedness among Adolescents," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-11, January.
    2. H. S. Gardsjord & M. S. Tveit & H. Nordh, 2014. "Promoting Youth's Physical Activity through Park Design: Linking Theory and Practice in a Public Health Perspective," Landscape Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 39(1), pages 70-81, February.
    3. Elliott P. Flowers & Anna Timperio & Kylie D. Hesketh & Jenny Veitch, 2019. "Examining the Features of Parks That Children Visit During Three Stages of Childhood," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-10, May.
    4. Justine S. Sefcik & Michelle C. Kondo & Heather Klusaritz & Elisa Sarantschin & Sara Solomon & Abbey Roepke & Eugenia C. South & Sara F. Jacoby, 2019. "Perceptions of Nature and Access to Green Space in Four Urban Neighborhoods," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-13, June.
    5. Jessie Adams & Jenny Veitch & Lisa Barnett, 2018. "Physical Activity and Fundamental Motor Skill Performance of 5–10 Year Old Children in Three Different Playgrounds," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-12, August.
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    Cited by:

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    5. Suzanne J. Dobbinson & Jody Simmons & James A. Chamberlain & Robert J. MacInnis & Jo Salmon & Petra K. Staiger & Melanie Wakefield & Jenny Veitch, 2020. "Examining Health-Related Effects of Refurbishment to Parks in a Lower Socioeconomic Area: The ShadePlus Natural Experiment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-21, August.
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    7. Le Zhang & Xiaoxiao Xu & Yanlong Guo, 2023. "The Impact of a Child-Friendly Design on Children’s Activities in Urban Community Pocket Parks," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-21, June.

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