Selected factors that influence the practice of recreational activity in urban parks in Katowice

Katowice is the central city in the Silesian Agglomeration. Commonly, it is associated with high industrialization and the mining industry, but it also has a wealth of green spaces. Sports have had a long history in Katowice. Physical culture developed together with political and economic changes, also following the main trends stemming from abroad. Even today in the city, we can see the development a modern trend: outdoor exercise. In the conducted study on the physical activity of residents in Katowice (N = 250), 11 city parks were taken into consideration. The aim of the study was to identify factors (forms, availability, management, and motivation) responsible for the development of recreation and parks in urban areas of large cities. It was found that the Katowice parks are suitable places to practice various terrain forms of movement and to have sports facilities.