Physical Activity: Park, Trail, and Greenway Infrastructure Interventions when Combined with Additional Interventions

Safe, accessible outdoor spaces can help encourage people to get active. In this systematic review, the Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) found that infrastructure interventions to improve parks, trails, and greenways — if combined with other interventions — can increase the number of people engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity. Examples of other interventions are:

• Efforts to engage the community in intervention planning
• Public awareness activities (e.g., banners, flyers, promotional campaigns, and event days)
• Programs that offer structured opportunities for physical activity and social interaction (e.g., walking groups, exercise classes, and organized sports)
• Measures to improve access to outdoor spaces (e.g., transportation connections, street crossings, and expanded hours of operation)

Researchers found insufficient evidence to determine whether infrastructure improvements alone, without other interventions, are effective.