Environmental Equity Is Child's Play: Mapping Public Provision of Recreation Opportunities in Urban Neighbourhoods

Authors

Jason Gilliland, The University of Western Ontario
Martin Holmes, The University of Western Ontario
Jennifer D. Irwin, The University of Western Ontario
Patricia Tucker, The University of Western Ontario

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-2006

Volume

1

Issue

3

Journal

Vulnerable Children and Youth Studies

First Page

256

Last Page

268

URL with Digital Object Identifier

https://doi.org/10.1080/17450120600914522

Abstract

This paper examines the spatial distribution of recreational opportunities for children and youth in a mid-sized Canadian city (London, Ontario), in relation to the socioeconomic status of neighbourhoods and estimated local need for publicly provided recreation spaces. Public recreation facilities (N = 537) throughout the city were identified, mapped and analysed in a geographic information system. To explore potential socio-environmental inequities, neighbourhoods (N = 22) were characterized by socioeconomic and environmental variables, an index of neighbourhood social distress, a neighbourhood play space needs index, and measures of the prevalence and density of recreational opportunities. The results of the spatial analysis indicate there is no systematic socioenvironmental inequity with respect to the prevalence and density of publicly provided neighbourhood recreation spaces; however, there are several areas in the city where youth do not have access to formal play spaces. We argue that to promote physical activity among urban children and youth, city planners and health policy analysts should consider carefully the geographical distribution of existing recreational opportunities and ensure that new publicly funded recreation spaces are provided to neighbourhoods with the greatest need. Further research should seek to identify what kinds of recreation spaces are most effective for promoting healthy behaviours among vulnerable children and youth.

Notes

Also available open access in at: https://doi.org/10.1080/17450120600914522

Citation of this paper:

Jason Gilliland, Martin Holmes, Jennifer D. Irwin & Patricia Tucker (2006) Environmental equity is child's play: mapping public provision of recreation opportunities in urban neighbourhoods, Vulnerable Children and Youth Studies, 1:3, 256-268, DOI: 10.1080/17450120600914522