Neighbourhood Greenness and Physical Activity
in the Outdoors
Children who spend time outdoors are more physically active. 139
One study of 10- to 12-year-olds, for example, found that physical
activity increased by 27 minutes a week with every hour spent out-
doors. 137 It is important to understand the role of neighbourhood
greenness (e.g., connected streets, sidewalks, trails, recreation
facilities, community playgrounds, green space) and how it can
influence opportunities for physical activity in the outdoors. 136 A
recent study shows that higher levels of neighbourhood greenness
are associated with increased outdoor playtime in preschoolers. 140
68 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth | 2013 Active Healthy Kids Canada