Evaluating the Impact of Revitalized Recreation Infrastructure in an Alberta Municipality

Public recreational spaces can provide opportunities for physical activity and social connection to all community members. This study evaluated the impact of revitalized recreational infrastructure on usage in an Alberta region with one urban and multiple rural settings. Understanding changes in recreational space usage can inform planning and resource allocation, which is particularly important as municipalities face resource challenges and more people experience financial strain.  

The study intervention region improved three indoor recreational facilities and invested in multiple outdoor spaces, such as trail networks, new playgrounds, and new outdoor skating surfaces. Participants answered survey questions about recreational space usage before and after the revitalization projects were completed (a time span of two years). 

Findings showed that only the rural multipurpose indoor facility experienced an increase in usage, while none of the outdoor spaces were used more. Participants reported barriers to access that extended beyond the physical infrastructure characteristics alone, including programming, cost, and safety. This suggests initiatives intended to address inequities in access to publicly funded recreational spaces should include health-promoting policy that considers both built and social environments. Given that outdoor spaces provide opportunity for recreation regardless of socioeconomic status, tailored activities to promote the use of such spaces are recommended, such as cost-free organized activities.

Find out more about this work in the full publication.