Impact of apparent temperatures on park visitation behavior: A comprehensive analysis using large-scale mobility data

Abstract

As many regions continue to show record temperatures and high frequencies of extreme climate events, climate change is disrupting human health and prosperity. This study focuses on how temperature changes and extreme heat as key climate components can impact park visitations (key physical activities indicator). Using the large mobility dataset SafeGraph, this study introduced a causal machine learning approach to estimate marginal heterogenous treatment effects (HTE) of daily apparent temperatures for different park properties and activity types. Our results revealed the declining effects of park visitations as apparent temperature increases and the significant disturbances under extreme heat. Different temperature thresholds that may harm park visitations were identified. Nearby green and public spaces (e.g. neighborhood parks) are the most susceptible category to summer heat. Dog parks, Playgrounds and Ball Field/Sports were well used during the heat. Pool/Splash pad and Community center have shown capabilities of mitigating heat stress. Effectiveness of other park facilities, including Restroom/Drinking Fountain, Water Body, Shade Area Facility were also presented. This study estimates climate impact on park behaviors for multiple usage and environmental situations. Our findings may help future planners, policymakers, landscape architects and park managers better understand climate-related risks when making investment and development decisions.