Making space and taking space: exploring the crowding experiences of people using wheeled mobility devices in parks

Abstract

ABSTRACT When parks and protected areas become busy, crowding concerns arise. Existing studies suggest that the negative aspects of crowding may not be experienced equally, particularly for those who may already encounter challenges navigating public spaces. This study utilized interpretive phenomenology to explore how people who use wheeled mobility devices (e.g. wheelchairs, scooters and adaptive bikes) experienced the phenomenon of park crowding. Seven women completed semi-structured interviews in parks of their choice or using Zoom video conferencing. Three themes related to navigating space in crowded parks were developed. Themes include taking up more space than ‘others,’ using your body and device to make space and navigating unpeopled space. This study concludes that crowding complicates social and physical navigation for participants and enhances awareness of their bodies in the spaces they occupy. Findings and practical recommendations shared in this study provide park planners and managers with new insights into the crowded park experience.