Parents are an important part of children's physical activity in parks. We looked at differences in preferences parents had for park characteristics. In New York we found differences by race/ethnicity, but not in Raleigh-Durham. Safe parks were important to parents, followed by having facilities like playgrounds and equipment. For parks to be places of activity and play for children we need to ensure that they are attractive to parents too.
Increased crime in parks and near home was associated with fewer park visits. Greater violent crime in all locations was related tofewer park visits. Park ratings were lower for parks with high violent crime rates. Given the importance of parks as settings for outdoor recreationand physical activity, crime may have a detrimental effect on physical activity and, therefore, public health.
Some parks reduce violence in the local vicinity. Other parks attract crime. The difference has to do with how these urban green spaces are designed, programmed and managed, experts say.