Macro-linkages between health and outdoor recreation: the role of parks and recreation providers

Randall S. Rosenberger; Terry R. Bergerson; Jeffrey D. Kline

Treesearch

Macro-linkages between health and outdoor recreation: the role of parks and recreation providers

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Randall S. Rosenberger, Terry R. Bergerson, Jeffrey D. Kline

Year:

2009

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Pacific Northwest Research Station

Source:

Journal of Park and Recreation Administration. 27(3): 8-20.

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Abstract

Physical inactivity, overweight, and obesity are growing national concerns owing to their associations with chronic diseases and overall well-being. Parks and recreation providers play a pivotal role in addressing these public health issues by providing the public with infrastructure that enables outdoor physical activity. Our analysis of county-level data for Oregon shows a measurable relationship between adult physical activity, overweight, obesity, and recreation supply and demand. Counties comprising more active residents are associated with healthier counties as measured by the proportion of adults considered to be overweight. These macro-level relationships can be used by parks and recreation providers to indicate "at-risk" communities--those with low recreation supply and demand, and high proportions of overweight and obese people--and we provide an example using Oregon counties.

Keywords

health, macro model, parks and recreation, policy, recreation grant program, recreation demand, recreation supply, spatial analysis

Citation

Rosenberger, R.S.; Bergerson, T.R.; Kline, J.D. 2009. Macro-linkages between health and outdoor recreation: the role of parks and recreation providers. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration. 27(3): 8-20.