Research Brief: Disparities in Park Quality and Pedestrian Streetscape Environments

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According to an Active Living Research research brief, of the following two new studies shed light on how to make neighborhoods more physical activity-friendly for all people, regardless of income or race:

• Disparities in pedestrian streetscape environments by income and race/ethnicity
• Socioeconomic and race/ethnic disparities in observed park quality

Both studies found evidence of “disparities” (pedestrian features that were worse in low‐income and/or high‐minority neighborhoods) and “equitable differences” (pedestrian features that were worse in high‐income and/or mostly White neighborhoods).

The different patterns found across regions suggest that local policies, practices, and funding priorities can be effective.

Disparities in physical activity environments are not inevitable. They are due to local decision‐making.

Read more about segregation and inequity in public spending here.