The extent to which a municipality allocates funds to sports-related facilities might influence the activity levels of its residents, as indicated by recent research from the University of Georgia.

The investigation revealed that well-crafted, visually appealing urban settings play a significant role in determining the likelihood of residents participating in sports.

Scholars from the UGA Mary Frances Early College of Education suggested this could point to methods that communities can employ to enhance the health of their populace.

“When a television is in front of you, you’re likely to feel motivated to watch some shows. It’s that straightforward,” noted Troy Zhao, the lead and corresponding author of the study, and a PhD candidate in the kinesiology department. “In this context, we observe a similar phenomenon where engaging built environments positively influence sports participation habits.”

Locations that encourage activity can boost sports involvement

The investigators consulted numerous urban planners, public health professionals, and community members in areas where recent urban sports developments occurred.

The research revealed that municipalities with formal, informal, or modified urban sports facilities led to an increased likelihood of local residents engaging in sports.

Such facilities could include sports complexes featuring basketball, tennis, or swimming pools; stadiums for team competitions; or even designated trails and waterways for walking or kayaking.

“In the past, when we reflected on sport participation, we focused solely on the mere existence of a space, but now we recognize that aesthetics are truly significant.”

—Troy Zhao, College of Education

Individuals who had access to these types of areas in their neighborhoods exhibited a more favorable attitude, which may enhance their inclination to be active.

“This is noteworthy. The design is not only shaping attitudes but also indirectly influencing sport participation intentions through these attitudes,” Zhao remarked.

Areas devoid of green spaces or that were generally unwelcoming to pedestrians might lead to a more inactive lifestyle in densely populated cities like Atlanta.

Specific features of sports venues can drive or hinder interest

While facilities such as soccer fields and recreational centers are beneficial, certain essential attributes are necessary for achieving healthy outcomes.

Among all age demographics, ranging from 18 to 55, 80% of respondents concurred on the following as essential for these spaces:

• Availability
• Accessibility
• Design
• Safety
• Affordability

“In the past, our perception of sport participation centered on the mere existence of a space, but now we appreciate the importance of aesthetics — down to the maintenance of the flooring.”

Consider the Atlanta Beltline or UGA’s Ramsey Student Center, Zhao indicated. Effort is crucial. Zhao even communicated with the designer of the Beltline, who ensured accessibility for runners, walkers, and cyclists at various points throughout the city, while also achieving an environmentally attractive design.

The community-wide benefits of these spaces were also noted, as they offered opportunities for future events and organized teams.

The findings urge planners or policymakers at any level to recognize these areas as vital for overall community wellbeing.

“This is a significant insight from our study and holds important policy implications,” he stated. “We aim to highlight this for urban planners and administrators, so they can incorporate these elements to create multifunctional and appealing environments that enhance community involvement and foster greater sports participation.”

This study was also co-authored by Sam Chen, a PhD student in sport management; Lan Mu, a professor in the geography department; assistant professor of sport management Clay Collins; James Zhang, a professor of sport management, and Yufei Bai, a professor of sports economics at Beijing Sport University. It also received recognition as the winner of the North American Society for Sport Management 2025 Student Paper Competition, the most prestigious award for a doctoral student in the sport management academic field in the region.

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