ShineLA: How diverse Los Angeles communities are addressing urban safety challenges in public recreation spaces
Oral Presentation C12.5
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.723Keywords:
Community, Physical Activity, Population Health, Recreation, SafetyAbstract
Background: Safe recreation spaces are essential for a community’s physical, social, and mental health. Across North America, urban safety challenges (e.g. public drug use, unhoused individuals, gang activity) are significant barriers to promoting usage of recreation and parks (RAP) spaces, often limiting a neighborhood’s physical activity (PA) and community engagement. Purpose: To explore how Los Angeles (LA) RAP centers, each serving diverse communities, promote park usage and PA programming, withstanding urban safety challenges and the city mandate to increase PA participation in the lead up to the 2028 LA Olympic and Paralympic Games. Methods: We conducted qualitative case studies of seven LA RAP centers, across the social gradient, interviewing two to three staff at each center. We performed a reflexive thematic analysis to explore approaches in promoting engagement, as well as compared strategies for addressing urban safety challenges based on neighborhood characteristics. Results: Findings highlight key strategies used by RAP centers, including (a) multisectoral partnerships (e.g. city departments, schools, local businesses, and corporate sponsorships); (b) investing in equipment to promote family involvement; (c) verbal and non-verbal understandings with individuals (e.g. gang members) who influence perceptions of safety; and (d) hosting community events. However, while some centers are finding success, others face difficulties based on location and neighborhood demographics (e.g. socioeconomic status, changing cultural climates). Conclusions: Best practices must be shared across communities so all may benefit from improved engagement in recreation programming, in particular as increased PA and park usage are emphasized as preparation for the 2028 LA Olympics and Paralympics begin.
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Copyright (c) 2021 Laurel Finster, Celina H. Shirazipour, Hayden Hutchison, Gillian Gresham, Zul Surani, Vicki Israel, Michael A. Shull, Sarah-Jeanne Salvy, Robert W. Haile
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