Background, in order to effectively promote physical activity and making better policies for using
green spaces specially parks, it is necessary to know the perception and expectations of park users particularly
neighborhood residents. Methods, In this study we examined demographic characteristics and level of physical
activity and recreation of 1113 participants ages 18-70 years who were living in 1km radius from 5 regional parks
in Mashhad. We used geographical information system (GIS) to determining residential areas and the distances
to the parks and Chi-square(x ) was used to detecting the independency correlations. Results, Findings 2
showed that age group 18-30, men, married, people with low income, employees of private sector were
more likely to use parks for physical activity and recreation. According to statistical analysis, age group
(p<0.05, x : 72.512), gender (x : 14.989), educational status (x : 190.338), income level (x : 74.468), occupational 2 2 2 2
status (x : 137.012), main purpose (x : 99.717) and type of activity (x : 167.467) had significant effects on physical 22 2
activity but married did not. Conclusions, Respecting to environmental characteristics, socio-economic status
and individual factors of residents near the parks can help managers to make better and effective planning to
promote people using parks for physical activity.