Multigenerational spaces: the usage and activities of different age groups within six community parks in Victoria, Australia

Background This study investigated how different spaces within multigenerational local parks are being used by older people and other age groups. Methods Observation of park visitors occurred in six Victorian parks one month after park refurbishment. Parks were classified into six spaces based on equipment/amenities and associated expected activity. Observations were summarized descriptively, and negative binomial regression models were used to examine the association between visitor counts and classified targeted areas. Results A total of 12 501 people visited the parks with 4.1% older visitors. The number of older visitors in each park area was consistently less than other age groups, with counts of older visitors being 50% less in mixed spaces (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.38, 0.65), 40% less in adult exercise equipment areas (95% CI 0.46, 0.77) and 59% less in walking paths (95% CI 0.31, 0.55). The number of older visitors engaging in physical activity were significantly greater in walking paths (incidence rate ratios 1.75; 95% CI 1.16, 2.64) compared with children’s play spaces. Conclusion The number of visitors across different age groups varied significantly between the park targeted areas. Most spaces were mainly used by the intended target age group/user, with no particular area used by all age groups in similar proportions.