Community Park Advisory Boards

Summary

The first RCT of a park-based physical activity intervention in the US. Parks randomly assigned to have structured community advisory boards—which examined park use, received training, and designed targeted strategies—showed measurable gains in physical activity among residents. Simply assigning a motivated park director without community structure produced smaller effects. The study suggests that local deliberation and ownership, not just management attention, drives park activation.

Research question

"Does community engagement through park advisory boards increase park use and physical activity?"

Methodology

Result

Positive

Parks with PABs showed significant increases in physical activity intensity and individual park use vs. control

Evidence strength

Strong

Randomized controlled trial with large sample.

Replication status

Partially replicated