Factors predicting the capacity of Los Angeles-region recreation programs to promote energy expenditure

Reynolds, K.D., Dahmann, N., Wolch, J.R., Joassart-Marcelli, P., Dunton, G., Rudulph, D., Newell, J.P., Thayer, J., & M. Jerrett. 2014.
Health & Place, 28: 67-72.
Abstract: While literature describes the influence of parks on physical activity, and identifies factors contributing to park utilization, little work has been done researching the availability of recreation resources within parks. In this study, an audit of recreation programs with moderate or higher levels of physical activity in Los Angeles area cities was conducted using the internet, telephone, and survey methods. Overall, findings suggest that the capacity of recreational courses to promote energy expenditure may depend on targeted age groups, age of the city’s population, and municipal fiscal capacity.

Keywords: METsrecreationhuman healthparksphysical activityfiscal capacity