The Problem Spending time in parks and green spaces improves mental and physical health, and brings people together. In many U.S. cities, lower-income and minoritized groups have less access to these health-promoting spaces. Philadelphia has more than 42,000 vacant lots, many of which could be turned into neighborhood parks. Nearly 20% of these vacant lots are publicly owned. The Approach To address these challenges, Dr. McIntire and colleagues at Jefferson University and the University of Pennsylvania will study the Park in a Truck (PiaT) initiative, a participatory model that helps Philadelphia communities build neighborhood parks and train local youth to maintain them. Their research includes: Semi-structured interviews with youth about their roles and health benefits. Photo-elicitation activities capturing youth reflections on park activities. Surveys among youth on health behaviors, stress, self-esteem and community perceptions. Participatory Park Building and Maintenance among Urban Youth: The Park-in-a-Truck Initiative Transforming vacant lots into community-designed parks to improve youth mental health, safety and community connection Russell K. McIntire, PhD, MPH Short Term Impact The PiaT initiative empowers communities to design, build and maintain their own parks. Offers youth safe spaces to relax, socialize and connect with nature. Transforms vacant lots into valued neighborhood assets. Longer Term Impact Assess PiaT’s effects on youth mental health, safety and belonging. Evaluate PiaT’s impact on community health. Promote PiaT for expansion to other U.S. cities. Societal Impact Funding will support the establishment of PiaT as an effective model of participatory neighborhood park building and maintenance in urban areas. The project focuses on improving youth mental health, safety and community connection, building evidence to guide broader program adoption. The project offers societal benefits in the following areas: For more information visit https://health.lehigh.edu/research-partners or email INRSRCH@lehigh.edu 24 Policy: Build evidence to support local government adoption of participatory land revitalization programs. Community/Culture: Improve access to parks and nature among residents; improve urban ecosystem.
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