Using an integrated approach to evaluate "Where do Flint's families play".

BACKGROUND

Once home to a thriving auto industry, Flint, Michigan, is now an economically distressed city of just over 100 000 people. With more than one-third of the population obese and one-third of the population younger than 18 years, it is essential to have safe spaces for children and families to be physically active. To address this, the Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities Flint Community Partnership (Partnership) worked to revitalize local parks and evaluate these efforts to effectively guide future park resource allocation, investments, and approaches to create a more equitable, vibrant parks system.

METHODS

After 2 years of initial park investments, 2 intervention parks (Max Brandon Park and Bassett Park) and 2 comparison parks (Brennan Park and Whaley Park) were selected for direct observation to determine whether parks that experienced investment had more use and users participating in higher levels of physical activity than in parks with no investment. In addition, the Partnership implemented community engagement strategies to hear residents' needs and desires for parks, as well as technical assessments such as a park facilities assessment, policy review, and equity analysis.

RESULTS

Intervention parks had a higher number of uses and higher physical activity levels than comparison parks. This complemented community engagement results that highlighted people do not use parks that are perceived as unsafe and in poor condition. Even though demand for parks can be met with the current supply of park space, many parks had outdated and hazardous equipment; this, plus inconsistent maintenance, (perceived) lack of safety, and lack of activities were the main deterrents to using city parks for physical activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Parks receiving investment had higher use and physical activity levels; thus, investing in park facilities and programming could increase opportunities for Flint residents to lead more active, healthy lifestyles.