System for
Observing Play and Recreation in
Communities (SOPARC) Training
SOPARC
Training was conducted by Thomas L. McKenzie, Ph.D. from
Department of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences
San Diego State University on April 27, 2007. The First part of
training (classroom only) was held at
Mason Park
Community Center
541 South
75th Street
Houston 77023
The Second
half of the training consist of field practice and was conducted
at:
Eastwood Park
5020
Harrisburg
Houston, TX
77011
CONTENT:
SOPARC overview
SOPARC
provides direct information on park and recreation areas
including the characteristics of users. It is used to assess
park users’ physical activity levels, gender, activity
modes/types, and estimated age and ethnicity groupings. It also
provides information on park activity area characteristics
(e.g., accessibility, usability, supervision, and organization)
SOPARC Resource
SOPARC mapping and protocol
1. Specify
the location and rotational order for observers during
observations.
2. Monitor
changes in recreation center facilities throughout the study
Field practice
Participants
get the opportunity to practice assess and record for fixed
settings, location, area type (target area).
