SFU Thesis Template Files
Contribution of Neighbourhood Parks to Physical Activity: A Case Study of Sunrise Park, East Vancouver by Maryam Lotfi M.Sc. (Architecture), Shiraz Azad University, 2007 Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Urban Studies in the Urban Studies Program Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Maryam Lotfi 2016 SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY Fall 2016 Approval Name: Maryam Lotfi Degree: Master of Urban Studies Title: Contribution of Neighbourhood Parks to Physical Activity: A Case Study of Sunrise Park, East Vancouver Examining Committee: Chair: Dr. Peter V. Hall Professor, Urban Studies Program Dr. Meg Holden Senior Supervisor Associate Professor Urban Studies Program and Department of Geography Dr. Patrick J. Smith Supervisor Professor Urban Studies Program and Department of Political Science Dr. Meghan Winters External Examiner Assistant Professor Faculty of Health Sciences Date Defended/Approved: December 01, 2016 ii Ethics Statement iii Abstract This research is focused on the type of usage of Sunrise Park, located in a lower income neighbourhood in East Vancouver, for physical activity. This study focuses on the factors that influence the usage of Sunrise Park such as: park features, park conditions, safety concerns, the weather, the time, and gender considerations. The methodology of this study has been a mixed method approach, including a residential survey, park user interviews, park observations, and interviews with Vancouver Park Board key planners and commissioners. Results demonstrate that weather conditions and time of day affect the usage and the level of physical activity in this park. It seems that open areas, scenic views, and seating areas are more influential on the usage of this park.
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