Designing movement-rich environments: evaluating the Skills Garden for physical activity promotion

Background: Publicly accessible built environments such as sports courts, playgrounds, and outdoor gyms are often underutilised. Innovative built environments provide an alternative approach, promoting free play and diverse movement experiences.

Aim: This study examined the user demographics, physical activity (PA) levels, and movement patterns observed at Skills Gardens (SGs) – innovative built environments designed to promote activity and movement - and compared them to traditional public spaces.

Methods: Direct observations were conducted at two SGs and two traditional sites matched for area and population density. Observers recorded user counts by assumed sex and perceived age, along with engagement in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and movement patterns.

Results: SGs attracted approximately three times more users than traditional spaces (257.5 vs. 84.5, p < .001), with over twice as many engaging in MVPA (142 vs. 65.5, p = .008) and an 18% increase in female participation (39% vs. 21%, p = .029). Movement patterns also varied by setting: SGs facilitated more Balancing & Falling, Moving & Locomotion, and Music in Motion (p < .05), whereas traditional spaces saw higher frequencies of Romping & Fighting, Rolling (p < .05), Turning & Tumbling (p < .01), and object control movements such as Throwing, Catching, Hitting & Aiming, and Kicking, Shooting & Aiming (p < .001).

Interpretation: These findings suggest that the SGs can attract more diverse users and encourage varied movement patterns, informing the design of inclusive public spaces that promote physical activity through an innovative design approach.