title: The potential for pocket parks to increase physical activity.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the use of new pocket parks in low-income neighborhoods.
  
  
  METHODS
  The design of the study was a quasi-experimental post-test only comparison.
  
  
  METHODS
  Los Angeles, California, was the setting for the study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Subjects were park users and residents living within .5 mile of three pocket parks and 15 neighborhood parks.
  
  
  METHODS
  The creation of pocket parks.
  
  
  METHODS
  We used the System of Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) tool to measure park use and park-based physical activity, and then surveyed park users and residents about their park use.
  
  
  METHODS
  We surveyed 392 and 432 household members within .5 mile of the three pocket parks before and after park construction, respectively, as well as 71 pocket park users, and compared them to 992 neighborhood park users and 342 residents living within .5 mile of other neighborhood parks. We compared pocket park use to playground area use in the larger neighborhood parks. We used descriptive statistics and generalized estimating equations for the analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, pocket park use compared favorably in promoting moderate-to-vigorous physical activity with that of existing playground space in nearby parks, and they were cost-effective at $0.73/MET hour (metabolic equivalent hour) gained. Pocket park visitors walked an average of .25 miles to get to a park.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pocket parks, when perceived as attractive and safe destinations, may increase physical activity by encouraging families with children to walk there. Additional strategies and programs may be needed to encourage more residents to use these parks.
authors.forename: Deborah A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: Terry
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Marsh
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Williamson
authors.forename: Bing
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Han
authors.forename: Kathryn Pitkin
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Derose
authors.forename: Daniella
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Golinelli
authors.forename: Thomas L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: McKenzie
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004779:Environment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015141:Los Angeles; D008297:Male; D054525:Minority Health; D009043:Motor Activity; D010988:Play and Playthings; D016012:Poisson Distribution; D011204:Poverty Areas; D011633:Public Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011998:Recreation; D017678:Sex Distribution; D014504:Urban Health