• Moving to a smart growth community may change the types of places where children are physically active and increase the overall amount of physical activity in which they engage.
• Children living in smart growth communities engage in more physical activity near their homes than children who live in traditional suburban communities, possibly because smart growth communities may provide children better access to parks, playing fields and community centers that do not require parents to drive.
• Children in smart growth communities may be active more often with friends, because more children live within walking distance.
• Zoning and land use policies that promote compact housing development, walkable neighborhoods, close proximity of housing to shops and restaurants, and access to parks and recreation areas have the potential to increase children’s physical activity and reduce their risk for obesity.

Read the full article: Investigating the Impact of a Smart Growth Community on the Contexts of Children’s Physical Activity using Ecological Momentary Assessment