In the attachment is the topic of what this draft will be based off. Draft a Persuasive Proposal ASSIGNMENT: Using your outline and annotated bibliography from Touchstones 1.2 and 2.2, draft

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How the Establishment of a Skating Park Positively Impact the Physical

Health, Social Interaction, and Community Development Among the Youth Population

Bibliography

Bartels, C. A., Lambert, E. V., Young, M. E., & Kolbe-Alexander, T. (2023). If You Build It /Will They Come? Park Upgrades, Park Use and Park-Based Physical Activity in Urban Cape Town, South Africa—The SUN Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(3), 2574.

Bartels et al. (2023) evaluated how park upgrades in Cape Town, South Africa, influenced park usage and physical activity levels. They examined changes before and after park improvements through surveys and interviews with youth ages 12 to 18. Following opening of a new skate park in one city, the researchers discovered self-reported increases in weekly physical activity like skateboarding and cycling among youth. Young people also noted the skate park enhanced their social engagement and community connection. Respondents indicated making new friends at the facility and feeling more involved in their city after advocating for its development. Economic data additionally showed nearby businesses experienced more patronage from skate park patrons. The findings suggest establishing a skateboarding area can provide significant health, social, and community advantages for youth. It offers valuable guidance to urban planners and public health organizations seeking cost-effective health promotion strategies targeting adolescents.

Henderson, S. (2023). Preserving Place: Presenting Heritage with a New Sense of Youth (Doctoral dissertation).

Henderson (2023) explored how implementing skate park elements within urban design can help address disconnect from place and isolation exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic among youth. Situated in St. John's, Newfoundland, the challenge of blending skateboarding culture with strong local heritage traditions was considered. The dissertation proposed introducing skate features at heritage sites to foster renewed appreciation and bring a youthful perspective. This was argued to encourage cross-generational gatherings and reinforced connection to place. The findings suggested integrating skate parks into planning achieves a balance of preserving history while preventing aging out of youth. By promoting multi-age socialization and activity, skate parks could aid community development and support positive youth development. The research informs how creatively designing public spaces for different groups can optimize health, social and economic outcomes for residents of all backgrounds.

Rivera, E., Timperio, A., Loh, V. H., Deforche, B., & Veitch, J. (2021). Important park features for encouraging park visitation, physical activity and social interaction among adolescents: A conjoint analysis. Health & Place, 70, 102617.

Rivera et al. (2021) examined which park features most encouraged park visitation, physical activity, and social interaction among adolescents through a conjoint analysis survey. Results found swings boosted visitation, sports courts increased activity, and cafés fostered socializing. This provided insight into the most appealing elements to youth that could guide investments in spaces promoting well-being. Incorporating highly rated amenities like sports facilities directly into a skate park design could draw more young people to visit and keep them engaged with the community. The physical health benefits of activities like skateboarding could be complemented by additionally providing elements that nurture social interaction. This study informs the integrated implementation of various features to maximize parks' contributions to positive youth development. Its findings offer park planners and public health professionals direction on prioritizing a mix of attractions meeting adolescents' holistic needs.

Sorsdahl, K., Davies, T., Jensel, C., Oberholzer, D., Gelberg, L., & van der Westhuizen, C. (2021). Experiences and perceived benefits of a youth skateboarding program in South Africa: From the physical to emotional and beyond. Journal of adolescent research, 07435584211052983.

Sorsdahl et al. (2021) evaluated an afterschool skateboarding life skills program for adolescents in Cape Town, South Africa. Through surveys and interviews, participants reported high baseline rates of mental health issues, abuse, bullying and substance use. The program provided benefits such as feeling of belonging, protection from gangs, emotional and physical benefits of exercise, positive role models and learning life skills. Participants noted reduced isolation, stress and engagement in a supportive community. These findings suggest establishing a skate park could address social issues and improve mental health while also facilitating physical activity for at-risk youth. It informed how incorporating life skills programming alongside infrastructure provides holistic benefits. Providing youth a safe space and tools to build resilience through skateboarding can positively impact physical health, social connections and help develop life skills to stay engaged in school and community. This research guides planning initiatives that optimize skate parks' contributions to youth well-being and community.

Veitch, J., Ball, K., Flowers, E., Deforche, B., & Timperio, A. (2021). Children’s ratings of park features that encourage park visitation, physical activity and social interaction. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 58, 126963.

Veitch et al. (2021) examined children's perspectives on valuable park features to encourage usage, physical activity, and socializing. Through surveying kids rating images, adventure playgrounds ranked highest and additional top attractions included slides, obstacle courses, and interactive spaces. This provided guidance on amenities appealing to youth that could boost skate park engagement. Incorporating highly rated elements like playgrounds, sports areas, and gathering locations directly into a skate park design has potential to draw children while encouraging health behaviors. Considering youth preferences informs a holistic approach to jointly implementing various attractions that cater to active recreation as well as social development. The findings offer direction for developing multipurpose community hubs that support physical, mental and social well-being. Thoughtful park planning with input from the demographic can help optimize outcomes like activity levels, peer interaction, and facilitating safe spaces for positive youth development.