A study on the evaluation of actual use of the middle and advanced age group for block parks in Nakagyo, Kyoto City, and need for outdoor fitness equipment

Abstract

There are few research reports on the evaluation of actual use and outdoor fitness equipment of block parks focusing on the middle and advanced age group. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to understand the actual usage, evaluation, and intention to install outdoor fitness equipment for the middle and advanced age group residents near the block parks in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City. The investigation was a questionnaire by post-mailing. The target houses were extracted mechanically by GIS at random. The results of the visit frequency questionnaire revealed that nearly half of the questionnaire target did not use the block parks. The reason for not using it was that not a few people recognized that the block parks was a children's park. Furthermore, it became clear that the middle and advanced age group rarely use block parks when exercising. Nature, planting, usage manners, service and resting facilities were shown as important factors for block parks. And it became clear that they were interested in installing outdoor fitness equipment. From these results, it can be said that the major issue is how the block parks can realize the potential of improving the health of the residents toward an aging society.