Visitors' Perceptions of Urban Green Spaces: A Study of Lisbon's Alameda and Estrela Parks

Petra Viebrantz,Maria Fernandes-Jesus

doi:10.3389/frsc.2021.755423

Abstract

Urban Green Spaces (UGSs) play a key role in people's well-being, particularly in highly urbanized contexts and possess several elements that may be attractive to visitors. This study focuses on the views and perceptions of visitors of two UGSs located in Lisbon and aimed to determine how they evaluated two different green spaces (Estrela Park and Alameda Park) in terms of physical/natural characteristics, structures, accessibility, surrounding areas, motives for use and importance. Secondly, it sought to explore how people evaluate UGSs in Lisbon in terms of quality and quantity. A total of 188 people responded to a questionnaire composed of close-and open-ended questions. The study revealed that Estrela Park was more valued for its green space characteristics and conservation aspects than accessibility and sports adaptability. Participants visited Estrela Park for its landscape and restful environment and considered the park important to their lives. Although they visited Estrela Park less often, they stayed longer compared to those who visited Alameda Park. Furthermore, regarding the participants' overall perceptions of the UGSs in Lisbon, many participants mentioned the need for more parks and wanted better preservation and distribution around the city. Most importantly, they valued these spaces and believed that UGS helped them to feel more relaxed and balanced, facilitating socialization, recreation and physical activities. In conclusion, this study suggests that green and quiet urban parks in Lisbon are valued by the city's population but they would like to see regular maintenance/cleaning as well as the provision of leisure activities.

Highlights

Increased urbanization has led to a decline in the quality of the urban environment, in larger towns and cities, affecting people’s quality of life (Saldiva, 2018)
To evaluate the participants’ satisfaction with the quantity and quality of Lisbon Urban Green Spaces (UGS), we focused on the average of the reported level of satisfaction expressed by the participants and the main motives highlighted for theirsatisfaction
Access, and Motives Regarding the characterization of the use and access to the parks, the descriptive analysis showed that at least 60% of participants in both groups usually access the park by foot, followed by a bus (∼20%) and car (∼11%) at Estrela Park and by metro (∼20%) and bus (∼8%) at Alameda Park

Summary

Introduction

Increased urbanization has led to a decline in the quality of the urban environment, in larger towns and cities, affecting people’s quality of life (Saldiva, 2018). The city of Lisbon in Portugal is no exception as in recent years the city has grown, incorporating many more new constructions and commercial settings around the center and riverside areas. Due to these new structures as well as the irregular topography that characterizes some of these areas, the wind speed has reduced throughout the city. The quality of life and well-being (WB) of the people in the city has been affected and notably a better and greener scenario is desirable, a more attractive central area with accessible green spaces

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