Build and they will come: A follow‐up evaluation of outdoor exercise equipment in Western Australia

ISSUE ADDRESSED: In Australia, the role of local governments authorities (LGAs) are diverse, ranging from waste collection to the provision of recreational facilities, such as parks. One strategy to improve parks is outdoor exercise equipment (OEE), and provide free, community‐based physical activity opportunities. We undertook an observational study to capture a profile and behaviour of park visitors and OEE users in 2012 and 2019. METHODS: We compared observational data at two parks using the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) in March and June 2012 and 2019. Data were collected 6:30‐7:30 AM and 5:30‐6:30 PM weekdays; 8:30‐9:30 AM and 3:30 to 4:30 PM weekends. Two trained staff collected data concurrently. RESULTS: Total n = 1654 visitors were observed, most at Park One (68.0%; n = 1117), half were male (50.9%; n = 841). There were significant differences in the gender of visitors across the two parks (P < 0.001). Most visitors observed were young adults (42.6%; n = 705; P < 0.001). In 2012, 3.9% (n = 65) of all observed park visitors used the OEE, in 2019, this increased to 4.8 % (n = 78). CONCLUSIONS: The adage ‘Build it, and they will come’ did not resonate with the two parks' local community. The key challenge is attracting people to local parks making OEE use attractive and easy. SO WHAT? There is a demand for the provision of active environments that are accessible and inexpensive. LGAs may hold the key to delivering this infrastructure supported by diverse strategies to engage and promote the benefits of being physically active for all ages.