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Creating supportive environments is one of the goals for action in the Ottawa Charter. This qualitative study examines awareness and use of free and pay recreational physical activity facilities and factors that influence their use. Four focus groups were conducted. The groups were stratified by socioeconomic status (low and high) and exercise behaviour ( sedentary and low-to- moderate exercisers). Group participants were aware of a wide range of physical facilities in their area. Use of facilities, especially pay facilities, was fluid and changed according to preferences, necessity, perceived ability, perceived age barriers, changing social circumstances and competing commitments. While proximity and accessibility were important, they interacted with other factors. The use of parks was influenced by aesthetic features, the presence of amenities and park size. Many people reported …