Live Well Springfield (LWS): Measuring Baseline Usage of the Springfield River Walk

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To measure RW usage prior to implementation of a targeted LWS intervention. METHODS: Users were automatically counted by TRAFx infrared trail counters, which were installed at three locations along the RW – Brightwood, Boathouse, and Depot. Data are expressed in counts, not in number of people, because the counters cannot determine user identity. Data represent counts from August through October 2013. RESULTS: The median daily counts for the Brightwood, Boathouse, and Depot locations were 70, 96, 181, respectively; mean counts were 69, 97, 189, respectively; and the range in counts were 39-133, 18-209, and 52-374, respectively. Hourly distributions varied. DISCUSSION: Brightwood had relatively high counts during the 6 PM hour (6:00 to 6:59), suggesting nearby residents using the trail after work. Boathouse counts showed no sharp hourly peaks, suggesting usage is less related to a typical work schedule. Depot counts peaked sharply during the 12 PM and 1 PM hours, suggesting employees from downtown using the trail on their lunch break. The range in counts at each location suggests that weather affected usage overall, while differences between locations suggest that characteristics of each location played a large role in determining counts. CONCLUSION: Results of this study will inform LWS programming and lay the foundation for post-intervention comparisons.