Seasonal variations in urban park characteristics and visitation patterns in Atlanta: A big data study using smartphone user mobility

Abstract

Urban parks are essential for physical activity and health enhancement of local residents. Although previous research has explored the utilization of the urban parks, seasonal oscillations in visitation to small and medium-size urban parks have received scant attention. Utilizing long-time smartphone mobile data, this study investigated park visitation patterns in 84 Atlanta parks. In this article, seasonal variations in park visitation and the correlation between park visiting patterns and park attributes were evaluated. Using fixed-effect regression, we modeled the effects of socioeconomic, climatic, and park attributes on park visiting patterns. The results indicated that park visitor volume and park service areas were significantly influenced by seasonal variations. Facilities, pavements, and scale facilitated visitor volume, while water bodies and landscapes enhanced the park's accessibility from a distance. The landscape design of the park was a significant factor during the summer season, rather than autumn and winter, which were mostly influenced by the availability of playgrounds and recreational facilities. Seasonal patterns of resident visitation varied among parks and interacted with park qualities. This study is expected to inform future design and research of urban parks by addressing specific characteristics of parks and to provide resources in response to dynamic patterns of park access that surpass generic norms.