Warsaw small and medium-sized public urban green spaces as a response to short-time leisure needs of local residents and passers-by

Abstract

ABSTRACT The study investigates visitors’ activity patterns in small and medium-sized public urban green spaces (SAMPUGS) and the relationship between the green space features and their use through the field observation of 36 case areas in Warsaw districts – Śródmieście and Ursynów. They were analysed using the perceived sensory dimensions (PSDs) and the Environmental Assessment of Public Recreation Spaces (EAPRS) tool. The green spaces in Ursynów are greener and richer in species than those in Śródmieście, but they lack historical features. The most popular activities are: sitting on a bench, strolling, dog walking, chatting and eating/drinking. Sitting on a bench is encouraged by the presence of historical feature and view outside green space but not by the ‘green ground cover’ or high green coverage ratio. Strolling is promoted in the green spaces of the bigger size and with the developed path network, but also with presence of flowerbeds and those rich in species. Chatting is promoted by the presence of historical features but not by the presence of ‘green ground cover’ and richness in species. Eating/drinking is encouraged by the presence of many places to sit, higher PSD ‘culture’ score, especially in Śródmieście and higher PSD ‘space’ score, especially in Ursynów.