Características dos espaços públicos de lazer de Pelotas (RS): mudanças na distribuição, qualidade e adequação para práticas corporais e atividades físicas ao longo de uma década

Abstract

Public open spaces, through their expansion and democratization, can provide access to leisure, social meetings, promotion of physical activity, among other benefits for the population. The study aim was to describe the public open spaces, quality, suitability for body practices and physical activities and distribution in the city of Pelotas (Brazil) in 2023, evaluating changes over a period of 11 years. The search also aimed to understand the directions of the Municipal Master Plan related to public open spaces. A mixed methods study was conducted, incorporating quantitative and qualitative approaches. In the quantitative component, an audit of public open spaces in the urban area of Pelotas was carried out. The Physical Activity Resource Assessment was administered in squares, parks, and boulevards. In the qualitative component, an analysis of the III Municipal Master Plan of Pelotas was conducted, utilizing Bardin’s content analysis. An increase in the number of public open spaces was identified, amounting to 75.4% of parks and squares, along with an increase in the presence of comfort structures and facilities for physical activity. The most common structures for physical activity in squares and parks were football pitches and playgrounds, while among boulevards was walk/run path/trail and bicycle path/trail. Overall, the presence of good-quality physical activity structures decreased from 2012 (41.8%) to 2023 (19.7%). The maintenance of inequalities in the distribution of public open spaces over the decade was also evidenced, with a positive correlation between the number of public open spaces and higher average household income in 2012 (r= 0.30) and 2023 (r=0.26), and an inverse correlation with population density in 2012 (r=-0.34) and 2023 (r=-0.37). The qualitative component revealed that the Municipal Master Plan targets public open spaces in macro terms of the municipal urban development mode, as well as mentions related to the distribution, adequacy and quality of these spaces. Greater engagement by public authorities is necessary to consolidate public policies aimed at public open spaces, thereby improvement the distribution and quality of these spaces.