Outdoor Gym Use by Children in Cape Town, South Africa: Levelling the playing fields

Purpose
Creating safe spaces for vulnerable populations like children is essential for their physical and mental well-being. Outdoor gyms (OGs) create safe spaces for children, by providing opportunities for them to engage in activities improving their physical wellbeing. This observational study aimed to determine the pattern of use for park and recreational facilities, including OGs within these facilities, across the CCT by children from June 2022-September 2023.

Methods
A cross-sectional, observational study in collaboration with the CCT and the University of Cape Town to investigated the use of OGs across 18 parks and recreational facilities, in low- and middle-high-income areas. Data collection used an adaptation of the SOPARC tool to observe OG use, age, and physical activity intensity. Intercept surveys were completed by individuals 18 years and over (N=248). Statistical analysis was performed determining demographic (gender, location), socioeconomic status, and gym equipment type/number. A heat map was created to identify OG use intensity.

Results
There were 2,842 visitors observed across 18 parks and recreational facilities with 52.4% observed to be a child. Most experienced moderate physical activity (MPA). Children were most likely to use the “Monkey Horizontal Bars”. Low-income, highly populated areas had the highest proportion of child users. Perceived safety of OGs and related facilities were significantly associated with the number of children using the OGs (P=0.026). However, when facility attributes including access, perceived safety, and equipment were considered; access to the OG was the preferred choice (P=0.056).

Conclusion
Outdoor gyms associated with recreational public spaces were widely used by children engaging in at least MPA, especially in low-income areas in the CCT. Perceived safety and access facilities were factors associated with OG use by children. It is recommended that OGs have the potential to be safe, equitable spaces for supervised play for children to improve their physical wellbeing.