This study investigated the benefits of green spaces to the users of parks in the city of Ahmedabad in India. Specific goals of the study included (1) gaining a better understanding of the positive benefits of parks experienced by different socioeconomic groups in the city, (2) analyzing how much green spaces impact the city and how these can be enhanced to gain maximum benefits, and (3) providing direction for future planning to minimize the negative aspects of urbanization.
Three specific parks were selected as research sites based on the type, size, scale, and location of the green space they offered. The income levels around the green space were also considered, as one goal of the study focused on benefits experienced by people from different socioeconomic groups. The three parks, while all public and located in urban neighborhoods, differed in some respects. Park 1 has an adjoining urban forest which is not present anywhere else in the city. Park 2, located in a newly developed residential area, has a huge lawn, a walking track, and a play area for children. In addition to serving nearby office workers, the park also serves a low-income population. Park 3, located between middle- and high-income neighborhoods, is one of the best maintained parks in the city and has designated spaces for different activities.
Users of the parks, age 15 and older, were randomly chosen to complete a questionnaire which included items relating to age, gender, race, proximity to the park from home, and frequency of visit. They were also asked to share their perceptions about the benefits of the park, what they liked about the park, and the purpose of their visit to the park. Additional data collected by the researchers focused on the types of activities occurring at each of the parks, the air temperatures of different places in and around the park, and the ecosystem services provided by each of the parks. Four types of ecosystem services were assessed: provisioning services (i.e., materials obtained, such as food and raw materials), regulating services (i.e., services that regulate the quality of air or provide flood control), habitat services (providing support for animals and genetic diversity), and cultural services (services relating to recreation, health, aesthetic appreciation, and spiritual experiences).
An average of 100 persons per day used each of the parks. Adolescents represented the largest and seniors the smallest age group using the parks. Greenery was cited the most often as to what people liked about the parks; and activities coded most often included use of the walking tracks, lawn, forest and playgrounds. Health was cited the most often as a reason for using the park. Other reasons included leisure, social interaction, a place to be with children, and play. Most of the respondents felt that the air quality was better in the park than in other places in the city. Actual temperature readings were consistent with the users' perceptions. The park with the adjoining forest (Park 3) received the highest rating for ecosystem services, while Parks 2 and 3 lacked various ecosystem services.
These findings attest to the multiple benefits of green space and provide some guidance on what to consider in the design of urban parks.
Research Partner