Integrative analysis of health restoration in urban blue-green spaces: A multiscale approach to community park

Abstract

The integration of blue-green space in urban environments has been recognized for its ability to address environmental challenges and enhance human well-being. Despite this consensus, the methodological approaches to comprehensively evaluate and strategically design these spaces require further exploration. This study employs the Park Community Concept and a dual approach of macro and micro-level methods to advance field research. A detailed review of the existing literature helped clarify the foundational theories and concepts related to blue-green space. In the context of Dujiangyan’s urban area, spatial sampling and PPGIS surveys were applied to explore the structural composition and characteristics of the blue-green space at different scales. We then utilized regression and path analysis to discern the factors influencing satisfaction with blue-green spatial attributes, environmental preferences, and health restoration effects. The findings revealed: (1) Dujiangyan’s main urban area exhibits a Park Community structure at a macro level, but suffers from specific spatial inadequacies like restricted linear blue-green space, underutilized river-adjacent areas, and limited space functionality; (2) at a micro level, similar satisfaction levels with blue-green spatial attributes were observed in the Yijie District and Nanqiao Square, ranging from moderate to high; (3) the quantitative analysis identified significant positive correlations between elements such as plant configuration, road walking comfort, site area, and site safety with restorative evaluations, with indirect impacts on restoration through site safety and accessibility. The innovative approach presented in this study offers a valuable reference for assessing and developing blue-green spaces in similar urban contexts. This has crucial implications for future urban planning and design.