Walking trips to parks: exploring demographic, environmental factors, and preferences for adults with children in the household.

Abstract

(1) To understand demographic and environmental factors influencing walking trips to parks for adults with children living at home; and (2) To determine if preferences for walking environments may influence walking trips and why. Neighborhoods with varying levels of canopy coverage and access to destinations were selected within the city of Seattle, Washington and surrounding suburbs. Walking trip frequency, preferences for walking environments, and demographic information were measured through a postal survey in fall 2006 (21% response rate, N=617; 41% adults with children living in the household, n=250). Analysis of variance and multiple linear regressions were used to test the associations between variables. Chi-square and qualitative content analysis were used to understand preferences for walking environments. Adult respondents with children living at home walked most frequently to parks compared to other destinations. Owning a dog, living within close proximity to a variety of destinations, perceptions of ample neighborhood vegetation, and preference for natural-looking environments were factors positively associated with these walking trips. Demographic and environmental factors influence walking trips, particularly perceived level of neighborhood vegetation and individual preferences. However, highly vegetated walking environments also elicited concerns about safety for some respondents.