City dwellers normally have a need for greenspace integrated into the fabric of their urban lifeOne response to the COVID-19 pandemic was the enactment of restrictions by many cities on visiting urban greenspace (UGS). This study explored how human behavior, perceptions, and attitudes toward UGS may have changed due to such restrictions. The study also evaluated citizens' satisfaction with UGS in their locality and invited recommendations for improvement. The study was conducted in six different countries (Croatia, Israel, Italy, Lithuania, Slovenia, and Spain), constituting a diverse range of societies and cultures.
Researchers used an online survey to collect information on citizens’ visits to UGS before and after COVID restrictions were implemented. In addition to asking about the frequency of such visits, citizens were also asked about the type of UGS visited, motivations for such visits, mode of transportation to the UGS, and their level of satisfaction with the UGS in their communities. One open question invited citizens to share ideas about the relationship between urbanization, people, and nature. Responses from 2540 completed surveys were analyzed. Most respondents lived in large cities, and most were female. The age range of respondents was 20-69.
Findings showed that most people from Croatia, Israel, Lithuania and Slovenia who used to visit some type of UGS before the pandemic continued to do so after the onset of COVID-19. After COVID restrictions, nearly two-thirds of respondents from Italy and Spain who previously visited UGS on a regular basis reported that they simply stopped going. Primary reasons for UGS visits prior to pandemic restrictions were physical exercise and relaxing. This was true for all six countries. Of additional importance for Italians and Lithuanians was an appreciation for nature observation.
Behavioral changes in UGS visitation included changes in mode of transportation, more so in some countries than others. In Israel, there was a significant reduction in the use of private cars and an increase in walking. The increase in pedestrian traffic to UGS was even larger in Italy. Some transportation changes related to proximity. There was an increase in people walking to nearby small urban gardens or tree-lined streets, and in people traveling by car to green areas outside the city. Changes in motivation for UGS visits were “especially striking”, with “a strong reduction” in “non-essential” reasons for visits, such as observing nature. There was a relative increase in “necessary activities” such as taking the dog out.
Overall results showed that urban residents typically need accessible UGS, mainly for physical exercise, relaxation and observing nature. Respondents indicated that what they missed the most about UGS visits during the pandemic was ‘spending time outdoors’ and ‘meeting other people'. Respondents missed visiting UGS regardless of the view of UGS from their window. This research highlights the importance of UGS for solace and respite, and for allowing exercise and relaxation. It also calls attention to the need for UGS to be integrated into the urban fabric.
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