Abstract P232: Associations Between Park Acreage and Physical Activity Among Adolescents Living in Urban Green Cities: Exploring the Concept of a Park Oasis

Introduction: Regular participation in physical activity (PA) improves cardiovascular health outcomes across the lifespan. Previous research has established a relationship between park access (i.e., distance to parks) and youth PA; however, no studies have examined the associations between park acreage and PA among youth living in “green” cities (i.e., residents can access parks via a 10-minute walk). Purpose: The present study examined how park acreage is related to PA among adolescents living in two urban green cities: Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN. Further, a “park oasis” was conceptualized. Methods: Data were drawn from a large, population-based cohort study (Project EAT 2010; Eating and Activity in Teens). Geospatial analyses determined park access and acreage variables associated with respondents’ home addresses. Study analyses were cross-sectional, and restricted to those with adequate park access, as indicated by living within 800-meters of a park (n=2,271; mean age=14.5±1.9 years; 52.9% female; 82.8% Black, Indigenous, Person of Color). Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine the associations between park acreage and PA, adjusted by individual (e.g., race/ethnicity) and structural (e.g., neighborhood poverty) variables. Park acreage was examined as a continuous (% land-use within a 3000-meter network buffer of home address) and a categorical variable based on park land-use % cut-points (Groups 1-4). Results: In unadjusted models, continuous park acreage was positively associated with both total PA (p=.020) and moderate-vigorous PA (MVPA; p=.007). Also in unadjusted models, categorical park acreage was significantly, positively associated with PA outcomes, with Group 1: Park Oasis appearing optimal. All adjusted models were non-significant. Conclusions: Findings indicate that park acreage may be an important PA facilitator among adolescents. Future work should explore how individual and structural factors relate to PA outcomes and inequitable allocation of parkland.