The intent of this project is to create a reliable tool that future researchers can use to take an inventory of the features in a public recreation area that may encourage or discourage physical activity. With the help of park professionals and users, Saelens’ team is developing a list of more than 100 park features and elements affecting access to park sites. The draft inventory tool allows raters to evaluate each element (such as “things to slide on”) and the characteristics of that element (such as “cleanliness”) on a numerical scale. Two raters were sent out to survey 92 parks and school playgrounds in Hamilton County, Ohio. The raters spent as little as 35 minutes in small pocket parks and as long as 6 hours in large regional parks. The researchers are evaluating whether the raters’ results matched each other or matched other data about the parks. The tool is being refined so other researchers can send raters into the field with confidence in the technology. A PowerPoint presentation (PDF) describing the project’s status as of January 2004 is available.