Assessment of trail use in a community park

The objective of this study was to assess physical activity patterns on a walking trail in a community park. During a two-week period, 200 trail users were interviewed, and an infrared sensor was used to measure trail use. Most respondents (84%) reported participating in regular activity. The environment, park location, safety, pavement, presence of a mile marker, and the absence of motorists were cited as positive trail characteristics. Trail use was heaviest during weekdays in early morning and late afternoon. The presence of a trail within a community park may provide the environmental support needed to maintain suggested levels of physical activity to achieve positive health outcomes.