Evaluation of Thermal Comforts and Utilizations of Some Green Open Spaces in Cilegon City

Abstract

Green Open Space (GOS) in urban areas is significant for the community and plays a role in improving the comfort of microclimate. There is very limited public GOS in Cilegon City, so the local government continues to increase the number of public green areas in each sub-district. Evaluation of thermal comfort and the utilization by the public’s in GOS of Cilegon City was essential for improving the quality and developing the green area in the city. This research was carried out in the Jogging Track Krakatau Junction (JKJ), Taman Kota Layak Anak (TLA), and Taman Kecamatan Jombang (TKJ), from March until June 2019. The research used descriptive qualitative methods (visitors’ perceptions and preferences) and quantitative methods (THI). The result showed that in JKJ, there were 50 species – 2462 trees which mostly have shaded function; in TLA, 14 species – 98 trees; and at TKJ, 39 species – 540 trees, both of those parks, the trees have shaded and aesthetic functions. JKJ is the best to reduce temperature; such as 2.4-3.7°C, then the second was TLA that 1.2-2.9°C; and TKJ 0.8-2.3°C. The average Thermal Humidity Index (THI) at JKJ was 27.6; then TLA was 28.0; JKJ was 28.3. These values were not comfortable, but mostly the visitors came to the three GOS in the morning or the afternoon. Thus 67-73% of respondents said that three GOS were comfortable, and 6-7% very comfortable at JKJ and TLA. The result of utilization of GOS according to user’s activities showed that JKJ was used for jogging/sports (55%), recreation (26%); TLA for recreation (47%), family gathering (38%); TKJ for recreation (67%). The others were used for playing with children, taking pictures, and shopping for a culinary delight. There were 60-73% of visitors expressed their satisfaction with the existence of GOS. Recommendation for improving GOS such as; 1) JKJ: Pruning the trees to reduce the humidity therefore THI is more comfortable; adding the ornamental plants in the welcome area, benches, trash cans, and planting food crops and vegetable crops at agricultural areas; 2) TLA and TKJ: Adding the shaded trees at children’s play areas and near the benches, some ornamental scrubs, and some benches.