10 THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF PARKS AND THEIR ECONOMIC IMPACTS Physical Health Connections between Parks and Physical Activity Park access is associated with increased levels of physical activity across several studies. Evidence shows that proximity to and use of parks, green space, and tree cover are all correlated with greater levels of physical activity (Eichinger et al. 2015; Pretty et al. 2005). Studies of physical activity have emphasized that park density (the amount of park space in proximity) is highly correlated with physical activity (Roemmich et al. 2018; Roux et al. 2007; Wendel-Vos et al. 2004). An analysis in New York City, NY; Baltimore, MD; and Forsyth County, NC, found that when analyzing individual survey respondents by density of nearby park space at 1-mile, 2-mile, and 5-mile radii, those in the highest quartile of park density were significantly more likely to engage in physical activity (Roux et al. 2007). Amount of park space in proximity has been shown to have a significant positive relationship with physical activity among youth (Epstein et al. 2006; Veitch et al. 2012; Yi et al. 2021). A longitudinal analysis that followed impact on physical activity among a cohort of youth showed that the magnitude of this relationship lessens as youth age (Yi et al. 2021). Strong evidence suggests recreational programming and outreach and communication activities have significant impacts on usage and rates of physical activity in parks. Rigorous research on the impact of marketing training for park staff and funds for outreach shows that dual approaches that combine park improvements and outreach campaigns have a significant impact on physical activity in parks and green spaces (Cohen et al. 2013; Hunter et al. 2019). A meta-analysis of quasi-experimental studies found that in each study of the impact of parks and green space, this dual approach yielded statistically significant increase in park use and physical activity (Hunter et al. 2019). Qualitative studies have corroborated the quantitative evidence (Mccormack et al. 2010). Focus groups conducted among park users in Perth, Australia, indicated that proximity and accessibility of park facilities were important factors for physical activity (Giles-Corti and Donovan 2002). Qualitative research focusing on Latinx, Black, and immigrant populations all indicated that their proximity to park space, their ability to access park space without driving, and greater density of their surrounding parks improved their ability to engage in physical activity (Griffin et al. 2008; Ries et al 2008; Roux et al. 2007).
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