How are characteristics of urban green space related to levels of physical activity: Examining the links

2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (8) ◽  
pp. 1091-1101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdullah Akpinar ◽  
Murat Cankurt
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
General Population ◽  
Household Income ◽  
Green Space ◽  
Green Spaces ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Urban Green ◽  
Urban Green Spaces ◽  
The City ◽  
Exercise Equipment

This study investigates the associations between characteristics of urban green spaces and frequency and duration of self-reported physical activity in the city of Aydın, Turkey. Data were collected through a survey with 420 participants. We analysed the associations between characteristics of urban green spaces and frequency and duration of general population’ physical activity and physical activity of physically active people with multivariate linear regression while controlling for sex, age, marital status, education level, occupation and household income level. Results showed that for the general population, short distance to urban green spaces, many trees, exercise equipment and picnic areas were positively associated with frequency of physical activity, while barbecue and fire places negatively associated with duration of physical activity. For physically active people, many trees, soccer and basketball fields were positively associated with their frequency of physical activity, but water features were negatively correlated with frequency of physical activity. In regard to duration of physical activity for physically active people, findings showed lawn and exercise equipment were positively correlated with duration of physical activity, while water features, barbecue and fire places were negatively correlated with duration of physical activity. The findings indicate that levels of physical activity in urban green spaces could be promoted with many trees, exercise equipment, picnic areas and lawn. However, causal relationship needs to be conducted with intervention or longitudinal studies.

Noise perception assessment in urban green spaces using soundwalk approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 263 (1) ◽  
pp. 5780-5791
Author(s):  
Omid Samani ◽  
Verena Zapf ◽  
M. Ercan Altinsoy
Keyword(s):  
Green Space ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Urban Green Space ◽  
Green Spaces ◽  
Noise Emission ◽  
Visual Effect ◽  
Technical Noise ◽  
Urban Green ◽  
Urban Green Spaces ◽  
The City

Urban green spaces are intended to provide citizens with calm environments free of annoying city noises. This requires a thorough understanding of noise emission and related exposure to sounds in green spaces. This research investigates noise perception in various spots in an urban green space. For this purpose, the study has been conducted in the grand garden of the city of Dresden. The garden covers 1.8 square kilometers of various landscapes, including water streams, park railways, fountains, bridges, roads for bicycles and pedestrians etc. Noise perception was investigated at eleven spots with emphasis on four noise types: nature noise, human noise, traffic noise, and technical noise. In parallel, audio-visual recordings were conducted for each spot to identify the connection between the perceptual measures and the psychoacoustic parameters. These spots are categorized based on the resulting perception and psychoacoustic parameters. In addition, the visual effect of each spot on final perception is investigated. Eventually, annoyance for each spot is identified based on the corresponding participants' perception and is associated with the relevant psychoacoustic parameters.

scholarly journals Challenges of Urban Green Space and Its Accessibility in Planning District-12, Mysuru City

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 137-141
Author(s):  
Yashaswini S* ◽  
Shankar B
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Green Space ◽  
City Planning ◽  
Urban Green Space ◽  
Green Spaces ◽  
Planning System ◽  
Urban Green ◽  
Urban Green Spaces ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The City

Improving the Accessibility of Urban Green Space (UGS) is an integral part of city planning system. People with better access to green space enjoy a wide range of health benefits. Therefore, it is a crucial element to be taken care and nourished in a land use framework. Mysore City is one of the planned large cities in India. The City had a population of about 0.9 million in 2011 and it is estimated to cross the million mark by 2021. There is a growing consciousness on health and wellbeing among the people resulting an increasing demand for urban green spaces both at neighbourhood and city levels. The accessibility helps in promoting usage of UGS and maintaining the balance in environment within the city areas. The main aim of this paper is to study the existing scenario of the UGS within the planning district-12 and to analyse the green space accessibility. The land use of Mysuru city is analysed to understand the city and the micro level land use analysis of Planning district-12 is made. The existing scenario of the UGS within the study area and its accessibility is analysed using different accessibility indicators. Considering the key findings, issues and challenges are identified. Later the suggestions and recommendations for the identified issues is proposed to enhance the green spaces quality and accessibility at neighbourhood levels. The Accessible Natural Green space Standard (ANGst) type of accessibility analysis has been carried to know UGS functionality. Henceforth urban green space network at Planning District levels (local levels) in the City of Mysuru is prepared as a model which can be implemented to the city as whole at the later stages

scholarly journals “We Need such a Space”: Residents’ Motives for Visiting Urban Green Spaces during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 6806
Author(s):  
Shixian Luo ◽  
Jing Xie ◽  
Katsunori Furuya
Keyword(s):  
Green Space ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Green Spaces ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Important Place ◽  
Space Planning ◽  
Urban Green ◽  
Urban Green Spaces ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The City

Since the outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia in 2019, several cities have been blocked to prevent the expansion of the infection. This qualitative study aimed to determine the motives of urban residents for visiting urban green spaces during the epidemic (especially within the context of the city blockade), and what might weaken these motives. In total, 47 residents (17 men and 30 women) were recruited from Chengdu, in China, to participate in interviews. A thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview data. According to the results, the motives of the respondents were divided into strong motives and weak motives. These strong motives for visiting UGS can be divided into four themes: “A place for health”, “Escape”, “Social support”, and “A safe and important place for outdoor activities”. Residents classified as the weak motive primarily considered the reasons of “Keep distance with others”, “Potential infection risk” and “Seek compensation”. The results of this study are significant for current and future urban management, green space planning, and social well-being.

scholarly journals An analysis of the spatial distribution, influence and quality of urban green space – a case study of the Polish city of Tczew

2018 ◽  
Vol 42 (42) ◽  
pp. 129-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam Senetra ◽  
Iwona Krzywnicka ◽  
Marcin Mielke
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Natural Environment ◽  
Green Space ◽  
Urban Green Space ◽  
Green Spaces ◽  
Human Welfare ◽  
Urban Green ◽  
Urban Green Spaces ◽  
The City

Abstract Rapid urban growth can exert negative effects on the natural environment due to the loss of naturally vegetated areas, loss of biological diversity, deforestation and soil erosion. The condition of cities is inherently linked with the natural environment which has a positive influence on health, social relations, human welfare and economic activity. Urban areas should abound in green spaces, and should also be easily accessible to the general public. The aim of this study was to determine the spatial distribution, influence and quality of urban green spaces on the example of the city of Tczew in northern Poland. The proposed methodology can be applied in cities of a similar size and urban structure to promote rational management of urban green space in line with the principles of sustainable development and spatial order. The Green-Space Record, a useful tool for inventorying urban green spaces, was developed to pursue the main research goal. The information accumulated in the Record constitutes valuable input data for further analysis, including the determination of the area, distribution, influence and quality of urban green spaces. The results of the analysis revealed that urban green spaces occupy more than 19% of Tczew’s territory, which is equivalent to 70.6 m2 per resident. Managed green spaces span the area of only 66.75 ha (11.31 m2 per resident) and are unevenly distributed in the city. More than half of these areas are found in the Stare Miasto (Old Town) district, whereas two residential districts (Gdańska, Prątnica) are completely devoid of public greens. The quality of urban green spaces is generally satisfactory in Tczew; however, not all residents have equal access to high-quality public greens.

scholarly journals Visitors' Perceptions of Urban Green Spaces: A Study of Lisbon's Alameda and Estrela Parks

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petra Viebrantz ◽  
Maria Fernandes-Jesus
Keyword(s):  
Green Space ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Green Spaces ◽  
Urban Green ◽  
Urban Green Spaces ◽  
Views And Perceptions ◽  
Surrounding Areas ◽  
The City ◽  
Natural Characteristics

Urban Green Spaces (UGSs) play a key role in people's well-being, particularly in highly urbanized contexts and possess several elements that may be attractive to visitors. This study focuses on the views and perceptions of visitors of two UGSs located in Lisbon and aimed to determine how they evaluated two different green spaces (Estrela Park and Alameda Park) in terms of physical/natural characteristics, structures, accessibility, surrounding areas, motives for use and importance. Secondly, it sought to explore how people evaluate UGSs in Lisbon in terms of quality and quantity. A total of 188 people responded to a questionnaire composed of close-and open-ended questions. The study revealed that Estrela Park was more valued for its green space characteristics and conservation aspects than accessibility and sports adaptability. Participants visited Estrela Park for its landscape and restful environment and considered the park important to their lives. Although they visited Estrela Park less often, they stayed longer compared to those who visited Alameda Park. Furthermore, regarding the participants' overall perceptions of the UGSs in Lisbon, many participants mentioned the need for more parks and wanted better preservation and distribution around the city. Most importantly, they valued these spaces and believed that UGS helped them to feel more relaxed and balanced, facilitating socialization, recreation and physical activities. In conclusion, this study suggests that green and quiet urban parks in Lisbon are valued by the city's population but they would like to see regular maintenance/cleaning as well as the provision of leisure activities.

scholarly journals Urban Green Space Degradation: An Experience of Kuala Lumpur City

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junainah Binti Abu Kasim ◽  
Mohd Johari Mohd Yusof ◽  
Helmi Zulhaidi Mohd Shafri
Keyword(s):  
Affordable Housing ◽  
Green Space ◽  
Urban Green Space ◽  
Green Spaces ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Kuala Lumpur ◽  
Urban Green ◽  
Urban Green Spaces ◽  
Artificial Surface ◽  
The City

Recently, Kuala Lumpur (KL) urban green space essentially was converted to artificial surface due to the urbanization process. The scarcity land in the city besides government new initiatives on infrastructure and affordable housing scheme has put an extra demands and request for developments to enter green spaces zone throughout the city’s boundary. This study aimsto review the literature on green space issues in KL, as well as to explore the use of Geographical Information System (GIS) that could provide a comprehensive and reliability information of green space predominantly used by urban planners and decision makers. There is a need for Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to map and monitor the gazetted green spaces changes aided by advance technology to ensure the city were plan well and developed in a sustainable way. The technology is extensively used for managing, controlling and mapping the urban green spaces changes and effectively use as an aided tool for planners in planning the green space developments effectively.

scholarly journals Balancing Urban Green Space and Residential Infill Development: A Spatial Multi-Criteria Approach Based on Practitioner Engagement

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (03) ◽  
pp. 1840004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maija Tiitu ◽  
Arto Viinikka ◽  
Leena Kopperoinen ◽  
Davide Geneletti
Keyword(s):  
Urban Form ◽  
Green Space ◽  
Green Spaces ◽  
Infill Development ◽  
Urban Green ◽  
Urban Green Spaces ◽  
Future Developments ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The City

The objectives in consolidating the urban form and preserving green spaces are often in conflict in growing cities. The usability of spatial multi-criteria decision analysis (SMCDA) was tested as a tool for integrating residential infill development and urban green spaces in the City of Järvenpää, Finland. In collaboration with local practitioners, this study focused on the benefits and challenges of SMCDA. The results were based on two workshops with the practitioners along with comprehensive GIS analyses based on a wide range of available data. The practitioners saw SMCDA as a useful method to bring together a variety of factors related to infill development. They highlighted the importance of the method’s transparency, emphasising the comprehensive explanation of each step of the method. Better understanding of the impact of individual criteria weightings on the results was mentioned as one of the key future developments of the method.

Quality of urban green spaces influences residents’ use of these spaces, physical activity, and overweight/obesity

2021 ◽  
Vol 271 ◽  
pp. 116393
Author(s):  
Pablo Knobel ◽  
Roser Maneja ◽  
Xavier Bartoll ◽  
Lucia Alonso ◽  
Mariska Bauwelinck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Green Spaces ◽  
Urban Green ◽  
Urban Green Spaces

Vicinity of Schools, But Not of Residences, Seems to Regulate Physical and Sports Activities of 13-Year-Old Teenagers in a South European Setting

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandre Magalhães ◽  
Elisabete Ramos ◽  
Maria Fátima Pina
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Parental Education ◽  
Sports Participation ◽  
Green Spaces ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Urban Green Spaces ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Sports Activities

Background:Proximity to urban green spaces (UGS) and open sports spaces (OSS) benefits health, promotes physical activity (PA) and sports practice (SP).Objective:Analyze the association between PA or SP according to distances between UGS or OSS and teenagers’ residences or schools.Methods:We evaluated 1333 (53.9% girls) teenagers (13 years old) living and studying in Porto, Portugal (EPITeen cohort). PA was classified as light or moderate/vigorous. Distances were the shortest routes from residences or schools to UGS/OSS, and classified in ≤250 m; >250 m to ≤500 m; >500 m to ≤750 m; >750 m. Chi-square test and chi-square for trends were used to compare proportions; associations were measured using logistic regression, through odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals, adjusting to BMI and parental education.Results:Regarding vicinity’ of schools, the prevalence of moderate/vigorous PA among boys, decreases as distances to OSS increases. For girls, the prevalence of sports decreases as distances to UGS increase. For boys, we found an association between moderate/vigorous PA and proximity to OSS in the vicinity of schools: considering ≤250 m as reference, the odds of moderate/vigorous PA is 0.20 (0.06–0.63) for >250 m to ≤500 m; 0.21 (0.07–0.61) for >500 m to ≤750 m and 0.19 (0.06–0.58) for >750 m.Conclusion:Vicinities of schools seem to influence teenagers to be more physically active and increase sports participation.

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