Revisiting public open space and physical activity: What we know, what we still don't, and emerging issues—A decade later

Abstract

Public open spaces provide settings for physical activity, but research on their role continues to develop. A decade ago, a paper published by Koohsari et al. (2015) in Health & Place identified key conceptual and methodological challenges in public open spaces and physical activity research. Since its publication, the paper has been widely cited, with over 340 citations and a field-weighted citation impact of 10.70 (Scopus). The current interdisciplinary commentary revisits the original study, evaluates progress over the past decade, and discusses emerging issues. While some conceptual and methodological gaps have been addressed, challenges remain. Emerging issues such as intensifying climate change, pandemics, and technological shifts continue to shape how public open spaces influence physical activity. Further interdisciplinary studies among urban designnce, parks and recreation, geography, public health, and other relevant fields are needed to address these challenges.