Park Availability and Expenditure Effects on Crime, Poverty, Wealth and Obesity Indicators
Loading...
Date
2010-06
Authors
Salas, Javier Antonio, 1982-
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
Urban parks play an important role in cities. Lack of understanding about their
effects on urban dwellers and their capacity to play a role in promoting social well-being
could diminish their benefits. With population growth in cities, park managers may need
to increase the quantity and quality or diversify parks to achieve the same results. The
relationship between availability and expenditure on parks and urban quality of life has
received little research attention. An analysis of 75 US cities determined that park
density, operational expenditure and park acreage as a percentage of the city are
significantly related to average levels of income, obesity and violent crimes. Optimum
park density is 49 people per acre of park. Violent crime is a key determinant of whether
urban parks generate a virtuous cycle improving health and income and reducing obesity
rates or a vicious cycle achieving the contrary.
Description
xi, 41 p. : ill. A print copy of this thesis is available through the UO Libraries. Search the library catalog for the location and call number.
Keywords
Urban parks, Parks