Changes in frequency of park/playground utilization among children aged 4–59 months in Los Angeles County, California 2008–2020

Child physical activity and play are critical for healthy development, and parks/playgrounds are important public spaces that provide physical activity/play opportunities. This study was conducted to assess changes in park/playground utilization by Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)-participating children from 2008 to 2020, and whether the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with lower park/playground utilization and racial/ethnic disparities in park/playground utilization. Cross-sectional data from the 2008–2020 triennial Los Angeles County WIC Survey (n = 21,886) were used, and analyses stratified by child age (4–23 months, 24–59 months). Odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) for the relationship between year and park/playground utilization frequency were determined from multinomial logistic regression, and racial/ethnic disparities were assessed by interacting year with race/ethnicity. Among children 24–59 months of age, park/playground utilization increased compared to never from 2011 to 2017 compared to 2008 (Every day, 2011–2017: OR [95 % CI]: 2.69 [1.93, 3.75], 4.71 [3.23, 6.86], 10.20 [6.91, 15.06]; 3–6 days/week 2011–2017: 1.54 [1.13, 2.10], 3.11 [2.18, 4.45], 3.94 [2.71, 5.72]; 1–2 days/week, 2014–2017; 1.53 [1.08, 2.18], 1.63 [1.13, 2.37]). Associations reversed in 2020, with 36 % lower odds of every day (OR [95 % CI]: 0.64 [0.48, 0.85]), 85 % lower odds of 3–6 days/week (0.15 [0.11, 0.20]) and 89 % lower odds of 1–2 days/week (0.11 [0.09, 0.15]) park/playground utilization compared to never than in 2008. Park/playground utilization frequency increased from 2008 to 2017, but progress reversed during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Results for children ages 4–23 months were similar. Future public health restrictions to public recreation facilities should consider realistic limitations to potential benefits and the potential for unintended consequences before implementation.