Engaging citizen scientists to build healthy park environments in Colombia

Colombia's Recreovia program offers community-based free physical activity (PA) classes in parks. We evaluated built and social environmental factors influencing Recreovia local park environments, and facilitated a consensus-building and advocacy process among community members, policymakers and academic researchers aimed at improving uptake and impact of the Recreovia program. We used a mixed-methods approach, with individual and contextual PA measurements and a resident-enabled participatory approach (the Our Voice citizen science engagement model). Recreovia participants were likely to be women meeting PA recommendations, and highly satisfied with the Recreovia classes. Reported facilitators of the Recreovia included its role in enhancing social and individual well-being through PA classes. Reported barriers to usage were related to park maintenance, cleanliness and safety. The Our Voice process elicited community reflection, empowerment, advocacy and action. Our Voice facilitated the interplay among stakeholders and community members to optimize the Recreovia program as a facilitator of active living, and to make park environments more welcoming.