Neighborhood park access and park characteristics are associated with weight status in youth

This study investigated park access and park quality in the context of childhood obesity. Participants were 20,638 children ages 6-17y from a large primary care health system. Analyses tested associations of park access and park characteristics with children's weight status, and sociodemographic interactions. Both park access and the quality of nearest park were associated with a lower odds of having obesity. Park quality interacted with age, sex, and income. Findings suggest park access is important for supporting a healthy weight in children. Park quality may be most important among 12-14-year-olds, girls, and higher income groups. •Using health information from electronic health records and neighborhood park environment data.•The shorter distances to the nearest park and greater park quality, the lower children's weight status.•12–14 year olds, girls, and higher-income areas benefit more from higher park quality.