Recreational Spaces: How Best to Design and Cater for Older People’s Safe Engagement in Physical Activity

Journal of Population Ageing, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 6, 2025

Abstract Recreational spaces, such as local parks, are important public spaces for the community to engage in various activities. With global ageing population, concept of multigenerational recreational has become popular recent years with aim design active cater all age groups, including older people. However, designing that enable safe usage by people can be challenging due competing interests and needs different groups. This paper is a reflective narrative describing four case studies outdoor Melbourne, Australia inclusion age-friendly equipment analysing parks layout using aerial imagery data. Factors impacting space were identified discussed. The main challenges study areas included: proximity seniors’ exercise area relative children’s play-spaces, accessibility, area, surrounding features which pose potential safety risks or deterrent visiting parks. information described this provides practical learnings relating park layout, strategies may required implemented facilitate better design. A national policy also needed provide overarching guidelines assist governments delivery inclusive spaces.

Language: Английский

---

Successful Implementation and Sustainability of a Physical Activity Health Promotion Approach Utilising Community Peer‐Led Training: Case Studies of Two Local Governments in Victoria

Health Promotion Journal of Australia, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 36(2)

Published: Feb. 4, 2025

ABSTRACT Issue Addressed The built environment, such as recreational parks, can impact older people's ability to be physically active. Targeted promotion and park‐based activities with the utilisation of peer‐led programs, run by volunteers, provide a sustainable health approach for engagement in physical activity. This article is reflective narrative that describes case studies two local governments have maintained active age‐friendly outdoor spaces volunteer community sessions 1 year following completion participation research trial. demonstrate factors important successful implementation approaches. Method overviews training module Councils' processes strategies engagement, retention support. Data information were collected through field notes, site visits, audit files Council staff meeting notes. Results Both applied rigorous recruitment process had dedicated officer oversee support volunteers. A joint decision‐making was practiced whereby volunteers equally contributed planning around activation events any relevant offered at park. Conclusion structured recruiting, onboarding managing along shared accountability, likely enhance initiatives. So What collaborative governments—featuring upskilling members, coupled ongoing support—has significant potential strategy promote activity among people parks.

Language: Английский

---

Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment of Recreational Development: The Case of Szachty Park in Poznań, Poland

Studia Periegetica, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 28, 2025

Given the growing demand for active leisure, and consequently, increasing emphasis placed on recreation, proper management of recreational facilities development is becoming particularly important. The authors propose a three-stage assessment infrastructure, which takes into account both qualitative quantitative aspects. proposed approach can be useful tool determining directions in areas with varied characteristics, also help create decision-making framework regarding changes given area. By analysing strengths weaknesses, opportunities threats related to current state development, as well local environmental planning conditions, it possible identify aspects that require improvement or modification. methodological assumptions described article were applied assess Szachty Park Poznań.

Language: Английский

---

Multigenerational spaces: the usage and activities of different age groups within six community parks in Victoria, Australia

Journal of Public Health, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 46(3), P. 403 - 411

Published: June 26, 2024

Abstract Background This study investigated how different spaces within multigenerational local parks are being used by older people and other age groups. Methods Observation of park visitors occurred in six Victorian one month after refurbishment. Parks were classified into based on equipment/amenities associated expected activity. Observations summarized descriptively, negative binomial regression models to examine the association between visitor counts targeted areas. Results A total 12 501 visited with 4.1% visitors. The number each area was consistently less than groups, 50% mixed (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.38, 0.65), 40% adult exercise equipment areas CI 0.46, 0.77) 59% walking paths 0.31, 0.55). engaging physical activity significantly greater (incidence rate ratios 1.75; 95% 1.16, 2.64) compared children’s play spaces. Conclusion across groups varied Most mainly intended target group/user, no particular all similar proportions.

Language: Английский

---