| dc.description.abstract | This research investigates features of public recreational greenspace on
Halifax Peninsula that promote physical activity. Physical inactivity and its
associated poor health outcomes are a major health concern. Past research has
determined specific features and characteristics of greenspace that influence
physical activity. However, objective measurements of these characteristics have
rarely been performed in Canada and never in Halifax. The Quality of Public Open
Space Tool (POST), originally developed in Australia, was modified for the Canadian
context. The tool was used to audit greenspaces in the study area using direct
observation to collect information on the characteristics of greenspace known to
influence physical activity. Greenspace quality scores were compared to
neighbourhood-level scores of socio-economic deprivation to assess whether parks
that promote physical activity are distributed evenly across socioeconomic strata. It
was predicted that on average the greenspaces in Halifax Peninsula would have
medium quality scores and that these would correlate negatively with
neighbourhood deprivation. Most greenspaces scored in the middle of the POST
scale calculated from aggregate of activity, environmental quality, amenity, and
safety scores. Environmental quality scores were statistically significantly
associated with neighbourhood-level socioeconomic deprivation. The results from
this project can inform urban planning strategies in Halifax by providing decision
makers with current information necessary to identify strengths and weaknesses of
public recreational greenspace in support of promoting physical activity. | en_US |
