Redesigning a neighborhood park to increase physical activity: a community-based participatory approach.

BACKGROUND: Community collaboration and active engagement of neighborhood residents in park redesign are promising strategies for creating public spaces that support physical activity. OBJECTIVE: This research brief describes the process of community engagement and discusses outcomes of a participatory park redesign project. METHODS: A community design charrette was held in collaboration with community organizations. Environmental audits of park features and amenities were completed before and after implementation of park redesign. A guided discussion with stakeholders following the park redesign was conducted to discuss challenges, successes, and next steps. RESULTS: Although level of activity among youth observed in the post implementation observations did not differ, there were a greater variety of activities observed among both children and adolescents. Furthermore, the goals of the project related to capacity building and meeting residents' needs were accomplished. CONCLUSIONS: Active participation of residents in a neighborhood park redesign requires time, commitment, and communication from a variety of stakeholders. However, the creation of a park that supports a variety of activity types, and builds community capacity, supports the need for involving stakeholders in redesigning neighborhood parks.

Use of health services among vineyard and winery workers in the North Willamette Valley, Oregon.

Although agricultural work is considered one of the most dangerous and physically demanding jobs, the majority of farmworkers remain vulnerable to disease and injury, while use of health services is limited. The present study analyzes the use of health care services among vineyard and winery workers in the North Willamette Valley, Oregon. Data from 513 foreign-born workers collected during the summer of 2009 by ¡Salud! Services, was used to test the influence of relevant predisposing and enabling factors of the Behavioral Model of Health Care Utilization among Vulnerable Populations. The majority of participants were males (87%) with an average age of 33 years. Over half of the workers were either married or living with a partner (54%) and had children living with them (58%). Very few spoke English (5%) and only a third had more than 6 years of formal education. Two-thirds of workers (65%) had a full time job and shared housing (67%). Only one of every five workers (19%) had health insurance. Multivariate analyses show that use of health services in the past 2 years is more likely among females, those who have children, have more than 6 years of education, work full time, are insured, and are currently attending school. This study provides further insight for health care provision initiatives to reduce the many barriers faced by farmworkers and their families.