DATA COLLECTION

To understand how the playgrounds were used, we utilized several protocols.1

The System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) is a validated tool that provides a snapshot of user behavior associated with space. Data collectors record user demographics (age, gender, race), physical activity (sedentary, moderate, vigorous), and location. We modified SOPARC to be more granular (SOPARC-G), observing at specific play features (swings, slides, platforms), site elements (benches, tables), and surfaces.

Play Loop, a new systematic observation tool, was developed to understand how play behaviors and social interactions might change over time and space. Individuals were observed for up to 8 minutes, in 20 second increments, collecting demographics, physical activity, social interactions, and location.

Dwell Time, another new systematic observation tool, was created to document how long users stay in playgrounds. Groups were observed every 10 minutes for up to four hours, and their demographics and locations were recorded.

Intercept surveys of adults were used to assess play preferences, distance traveled, modes of transport, frequency of use, impacts of social factors (homelessness, smoking, alcohol), and if COVID-19 or vaccination rates influenced visitation.

Data were collected in summer 2021.

1 For more information on protocols, see Playground Design and Physical Activity, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2022.