Background/Purpose: Parks are community resources that can support physical activity and are public health assets. Yet, few studies have directly observed park use or patron physical activity levels. The purpose of this study was to use direct observation to assess park use and patron physical activity in 6 parks located in low socio-economic areas of Las Vegas.
Method: Twenty-two park staff observers were trained to use System for Observing Physical Activity in Recreation Centers (SOPARC) to assess park use and physical activity during three temperature seasons over a period of one year.
Analysis/Results: Most park users were adults (43%) and 21% were teens 21% were children. Seniors represented only 14% of those observed. In terms of gender, 65.5% of users were male and only 34.5% were female. Most park users were sedentary (48%) while, only 16% were vigorously active. A higher percentage of males (33%) than females (15%) were observed in moderate to vigorous physical activity. Most target areas were accessible (98%) and they were also useable (94%) but few activity areas were organized (5%) or supervised (4%). More people were active on playgrounds, walking paths, and open field spaces.
Conclusions: Findings from this study are consistent with results from other park studies using direct observation methodology. Key strategies that may increase use and physical activity are increased programming and socially marketing parks as physical activity resources. Park characteristics and programs that can appeal to girls and women are also needed.