Pakistani teenagers' use of public open space in Sheffield

Abstract

The use patterns by different ethnic groups of urban open spaces has been investigated, to some extent, in the United States of America, while less research has been undertaken in this area in the United Kingdom. Research was undertaken to investigate how the Pakistani community, the largest ethnic community in the city, uses open spaces in Sheffield, England. This paper draws upon the results of work undertaken with Pakistani teenagers in Sheffield but it is not a comparative study with the non-Pakistani community. These teenagers are significant users of public open space and enjoy a range of both active and passive activities. The local availability of such space is important. Other factors, contributing to comforts and discomforts, have been identified. It appears that some activities undertaken relate to age but further research is identified as being needed to confirm whether activities relate to ethnicity.