SOPARC Data Collection and Analysis

By: Matt Carusona
PRTM 510 - North Carolina State University

1.26.18

 

Reflection: For this assignment, we used the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) to observe physical activity at a neighborhood or community park. “This project is designed to help you better understand where physical activity occurs in your community and the potential for promoting more activity especially in parks.” For the assignment we were asked to collect data using SOPARC, I used iSOPARC (an Ipad app version of the SOPARC tool to collect my data), and write an analysis of the kind of activity taking place, participant characteristics relative to activities and space, along with barriers and ways to encourage increased physical activity in the space.  I thoroughly enjoyed using the app to collect data and how it could be analyzed in conjunction with the physical attributes of the park to determine opportunities for physical activity. This was another project that had me thinking about how planning and placemaking can have an instrumental effect on a community and its ability to be physically active.