The Impact of Urban Park Built Environment Characteristics on the Physical Activity of Users and Inspirations

The goal of the Plan of Health China 2030 and National Fitness Program is to improve public health and prevent prevailing chronic diseases. Urban parks and their physical activity areas play a key role in countrywide public health. Physical activity can prevent varied physical and mental illness in an economical manner and thus effectively promote public health. Studies show the robust link between park characteristics and park-based physical activity. However, there is no applicable framework for the built environment of urban parks and their users in mainland China, especially the deficiency of systematic observation tools. This paper reviewed the state-of-the-art studies on park quality assessment, park users and their physical activity, and behavior mapping. It is advised to explore the impact of park characteristics on physical activity, discuss the countermeasures of urban park planning and design under health guidance, scientifically serve for the National Fitness Program and the development goal of the Health China 2030 from public health perspectives based on the technology of RS, GIS, systematic observation and behavior mapping.