Abstract
The Play-Friendly Cities framework describes key municipal actions and indicators which support a community’s playability and can positively influence children’s health behaviors and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to conduct a content analysis of Nova Scotia physical activity (PA) and active transportation (AT) strategies by applying the playability criteria in the Play-Friendly Cities framework. Methods: PA and AT strategies from communities across Nova Scotia were assessed using the Play-Friendly Cities framework. Strategy content was analyzed based on indicators across four themes: participation of children in decision making, safe and active routes around the community, safe and accessible informal play environments, and evidence-informed design of formal play spaces. Results: Forty-two (28 PA,14 AT) strategies were reviewed and all included statements reflective of at least one indicator (8 ± 4; range: 1–14). Content about safe and active routes around the community was most prevalent (41 plans, 812 mentions), while participation of children in decision making was least frequently presented (18 plans, 39 mentions). Content about safe and accessible informal play environments (31 plans, 119 mentions) and evidence-informed design of formal play spaces (28 plans, 199 mentions) was also present. Conclusions: All PA and AT strategies included some content reflective of a Play-Friendly City; however, there was great variability in the number of included indicators. This summary provides key information on opportunities, such as increasing meaningful involvement of children in decision making, that can inform future municipal actions and policies to improve a community’s playability.
Highlights
Physical activity (PA) participation in childhood is positively associated with favorable measures of physical, mental and psychosocial health [1]
The results of this study highlight how many communities in Nova Scotia proposed actions related to playability, and highlighted actions that can be incorporated in future PA and active transportation (AT) strategies
We identified that municipal events and trails were not included in the Play-Friendly Cities Framework; these topics were frequently mentioned in the strategies, and we believe would align well with the Framework
Summary
Physical activity (PA) participation in childhood is positively associated with favorable measures of physical, mental and psychosocial health [1]. There is growing evidence that playing outdoors or using active transportation (AT) are associated with increased PA in children and youth [2,3]. Children and youth benefit from living in communities that promote outdoor play and walking in their design, programs, and policies [5]. Neighborhood design, availability of recreation facilities, and sidewalks are positively associated with increased outdoor play in children and youth [6]. Given the importance of PA to health and well-being, it is recommended that governments at all levels create new, or expand existing, efforts to promote active living. This can be done through creating and maintaining
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