The effect of local neighbourhood park redevelopments on park visitations and user physical activity levels: a pe–post test evaluation

Aim: To examine the influence of redeveloping two parks based on consultation with local community and stakeholders on park visitation rates and activity levels of park users. Subject and methods: Pre–post design. Two local neighbourhood parks located in low socioeconomic areas in the regional city of Bundaberg, Australia. Number of park visitors and park users’ activity levels were assessed using SOPARC pre (April–August 2013) and post (April–May 2014) park redevelopment. Park data were pooled for analysis. Pre–post differences in the park visitors and park user activity levels were examined overall and also by sex and age group (children, teen, adults, seniors) using a negative binomial generalised linear model (Stata MP 15.1, α = 0.05). Results: Average daily visitors (baseline: 5.08; follow-up: 45.09; p < 0.001) and the number of child, teen, adult, and senior visitors increased from baseline to follow-up. The daily number of park users engaged in sedentary (baseline: 1.56; follow-up: 8.30; p < 0.001), moderate-intensity (baseline: 2.61; follow-up: 26.23; p < 0.001) and vigorous activity (baseline: 0.91; follow-up: 10.56; p < 0.001) also increased. Conclusion: Redeveloping local parks, informed by community, local government and researcher stakeholder consultations increased the number of and activity levels of park users.