The influence of park features on park satisfaction and park use in a multi-ethnic deprived urban area

摘要

Background: Research has demonstrated green space is associated with improved mental and physical health and well-being. Several studies have also indicated the beneficial impact of green space on pregnancy outcomes, such as higher birth weight. At present there is little information on how to encourage use of green space. There is mixed evidence to show the number of park features can encourage park use, as well as size and proximity to the park. It is suggested that the number of features may be linked to park satisfaction, which is related to use. Little is known about what specific features might influence park satisfaction, and it is not known whether this differs by ethnicity or socioeconomic status. This study aims to explore the influence of park size, proximity and park features on park satisfaction and use. We also aim to explore whether park satisfaction mediates the relationship between park features and use, and whether ethnicity and socioeconomic status moderate the relationship between park features and park satisfaction. Methods: A sub-sample (n = 620) of the Born in Bradford cohort completed a survey on park satisfaction and use. The survey was completed by parents on behalf of their child when they were 4 years old. Demographic and socioeconomic data were also collected. Parks were subsequently audited using the Natural Environment Scoring Tool (Gidlow, in preparation). Features were divided into domains: access, recreational facilities, amenities, natural features, significant natural features, non-natural features, incivilities and usability. Park size and proximity were calculated using ArcGIS and participants' postcodes. Significant predictors of park satisfaction and use were identified using multilevel linear regressions. Multilevel mediation was used to explore the mediating role of park satisfaction in the relationship between park features and park use. Interactions between ethnicity and socioeconomic status and park features were explored. Results: It was found that higher amenities and usability domain scores were significantly positively associated with park satisfaction (β = .07, p = .027; β = .11, p = .008), while a higher incivilities domain score was significantly negatively related (β = .07, p=.027). The incivilities domain was also found to significantly negatively predict park use (β = 16.02, p=.046). No significant association was identified between individual variables and park satisfaction and park use. Ethnicity and socioeconomic status had no moderating role. No evidence of mediation by park satisfaction in the relationship between park features and park use was found. Conclusion: This study found the number of amenities, number of activities available and level of incivilities present significantly influenced the degree of park satisfaction. Incivilities also appear to negatively impact on park use. Results suggest it is park quality that influences satisfaction and use, rather than structural factors such as size and proximity. Furthermore, individual level variables did not influence park satisfaction or park use, suggesting environmental interventions to encourage satisfaction and use may be more effective than individual interventions. It is suggested urban planners prioritize adding amenities and eliminating incivilities in parks to encourage use and promote health.