An iSOPARC Case Study of Physical Activity at a Pop-Up Park

Purpose: Child physical activity (PA) is vital for physical and mental health, yet many children do not meet recommendations. Temporary, place-based programs designed to provide PA opportunities to youth could be a promising approach. This case-study describes familial PA at a suburban pop-up park (PUP) occurring on a weekend during the school year. Methods: iSOPARC (v 1.85) was used with double-rater reliability for a total of four rounds (one round every 30 minutes starting 15 minutes into the event) documenting the PA of individuals in each of the nine target areas at the PUP. PA was dichotomized into physically active (walking or vigorous) and sedentary (sitting or standing). Descriptive statistics were generated. Results: 179 individuals were observed (62% female, 26% children, 28% teens, 45% adults). Overall, 53% (n = 47) of children, 18% of teens (n = 11), and 17% (n = 14) of adults were observed as physically active. Per target area, percentages of physically active individuals were: 93% physically active (n = 14) at the playground, 44% physically active (n = 7) during basketball, 41% physically active (n = 9) during open play, 40% physically active (n = 4) during kickball, 24% physically active (n = 5) at check-in, 20% physically active (n = 6) in the snack area, 11% physically active (n = 2) during reading time, 10% physically active (n = 1) during lawn games, and 6% physically active (n = 2) during boxing. Conclusion: This observational case study provides an example of how PUPs during the school year may be a helpful tool to encourage weekend PA across communities. Future studies should consider the social environment on youth PA.

Keywords: Active play; adolescents; pop-up park; temporary play space; youth.