Park Proximity Research Articles

Park proximity and all-day and time-specific physical activity and sedentary behaviour in older adults.

Proximity to parks has been suggested as a factor influencing physical activity in older adults. However, it remains unclear the optimal distance between residences and parks for promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary time and whether these associations vary by the time of day. We examined whether the proximity to neighbourhood parks at varying distances is associated with all-day and time-specific physical activity and sedentary behaviour in older adults. Data were collected from 214 older adults receiving hospital services in Taipei, Taiwan. The number of parks within 400m, 800m, and 1,600m of participants' residences. Physical activity and sedentary behaviour, stratified by time of day (morning, afternoon, and evening), were measured using accelerometers. Adjusted linear regression models were used to estimate associations of park proximity with activity and sedentary outcomes. Parks located within 400m and 800m of participants' residences were more markedly associated with longer time in physical activity and less sedentary time compared to parks located 1,600m away. A greater number of parks within 400m and 800m was positively associated with walking steps and light-intensity physical activity while both distances were negatively associated with sedentary time. The associations between park proximity and behavioural outcomes were mainly attributable to that during the afternoon and evening. Our findings suggest that favourable access to parks within 800m of older adults' residences is associated with more physical activity and less sedentary time, particularly during the afternoon and evening. Future longitudinal studies are required to corroborate these associations.

Exploring the spatial trade-off effects of green space on older people’s physical inactivity: Evidence from Shanghai

Given that green space patterns and population density often show opposing trends over space, this could lead to trade-off (distance/population decay) relationships. Consequently, this paper utilized the Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) data from Shanghai, China, to investigate whether there is a spatial trade-off in the health effects of green spaces on people’s inactivity. Our findings confirmed the trade-off effects of green spaces in reducing sedentary time, using interaction terms to highlight how the health impacts of green spaces vary across different population densities and may thus lead to inconsistent relationships between green space and health outcomes. Generally, the ability of green spaces to affect sedentary time decreased as population density increases, particularly regarding park proximity and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Our research also revealed that the trade-off in health benefits from green spaces was influenced by the type of green space. For instance, park proximity, park area, and NDVI showed trade-off effects, with higher population densities enhancing the impact of NDVI on increasing sedentary time (β = 133.871), despite NDVI itself decreasing with a rise in population density (r = -0.68). Conversely, the Green Vegetation Index (GVI) did not demonstrate such an effect. The unequal spatial distribution and composition of green space may further exacerbate health inequities. Therefore, this paper recommends that future provisioning of green spaces should take into account the local urban spatial structure.

Associations of neighborhood greenspace, and active living environments with autism spectrum disorders: A matched case-control study in Ontario, Canada

BackgroundIncreasing evidence links early life residential exposure to natural urban environmental attributes and positive health outcomes in children. However, few studies have focused on their protective effects on the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of neighborhood greenspace, and active living environments during pregnancy with ASD in young children (≤6 years). MethodsWe conducted a population-based matched case-control study of singleton term births in Ontario, Canada for 2012–2016. The ASD and environmental data was generated using the Ontario Autism Spectrum Profile, the Better Outcomes Registry & Network Ontario, and Canadian Urban Environmental Health Research Consortium. We employed conditional logistic regressions to estimate the odds ratio (OR) between ASD and environmental factors characterizing selected greenspace metrics and neighborhoods conducive to active living (i.e., green view index (GVI), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), tree canopy, park proximity and active living environments index (ALE)). ResultsWe linked 8643 mother-child pairs, including 1554 cases (18%). NDVI (OR 1.034, 0.944–1.024, per Inter Quartile Range [IQR] = 0.08), GVI (OR 1.025, 95% CI 0.953–1.087, per IQR = 9.45%), tree canopy (OR 0.992, 95% CI 0.903–1.089, per IQR = 6.24%) and the different categories of ALE were not associated with ASD in adjusted models for air pollution. In contrast, living closer to a park was protective (OR 0.888, 0.833–0.948, per 0.06 increase in park proximity index), when adjusted for air pollution. ConclusionsThis study reported mixed findings showing both null and beneficial effects of green spaces and active living environments on ASD. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the role of exposure to greenspaces and active living environments on the development of ASD.

Park proximity and older adults’ physical activity and sedentary behaviors in dense urban areas

Urbanization represents a significant population trend, and a longer life expectancy increases the number of older people living in cities. Aging can intensify urbanization and urban design challenges. Parks or public open spaces are settings within the neighborhood that can support older people to live an active lifestyle. This study examined associations between the number of and distance to parks and physical activity levels and sedentary behavior patterns among a sample of 276 older adults in Japan. Physical activity levels and sedentary behavior patterns were objectively measured using accelerometer devices. Park measures, including distance to the nearest and second nearest park and the count of parks within network-based buffers of 800 m and 1600 m from home, were calculated using a geographic information system (GIS) software. We found that the number of parks within a 1600 m buffer from participants’ homes was associated with more breaks in sedentary behavior. This finding suggests that proximity to parks may be important to increase breaks in sedentary behavior among older adults. We found no significant associations between the selected park characteristics and physical activity. Our research adds to the evidence from the less-explored Asian context among older adults, for whom strategies to support an active lifestyle are necessary to promote healthy aging.

Associations of residential green space with internalizing and externalizing behavior in early childhood

BackgroundGreen space exposures may promote child mental health and well-being across multiple domains and stages of development. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between residential green space exposures and child mental and behavioral health at age 4–6 years.MethodsChildren’s internalizing and externalizing behaviors in the Conditions Affecting Neurocognitive Development and Learning in Early Childhood (CANDLE) cohort in Shelby County, Tennessee, were parent-reported on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). We examined three exposures—residential surrounding greenness calculated as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), tree cover, and park proximity—averaged across the residential history for the year prior to outcome assessment. Linear regression models were adjusted for individual, household, and neighborhood-level confounders across multiple domains. Effect modification by neighborhood socioeconomic conditions was explored using multiplicative interaction terms.ResultsChildren were on average 4.2 years (range 3.8-6.0) at outcome assessment. Among CANDLE mothers, 65% self-identified as Black, 29% as White, and 6% as another or multiple races; 41% had at least a college degree. Higher residential surrounding greenness was associated with lower internalizing behavior scores (-0.66 per 0.1 unit higher NDVI; 95% CI: -1.26, -0.07) in fully-adjusted models. The association between tree cover and internalizing behavior was in the hypothesized direction but confidence intervals included the null (-0.29 per 10% higher tree cover; 95% CI: -0.62, 0.04). No associations were observed between park proximity and internalizing behavior. We did not find any associations with externalizing behaviors or the attention problems subscale. Estimates were larger in neighborhoods with lower socioeconomic opportunity, but interaction terms were not statistically significant.ConclusionsOur findings add to the accumulating evidence of the importance of residential green space for the prevention of internalizing problems among young children. This research suggests the prioritization of urban green spaces as a resource for child mental health.

Abstract 18923: Associations of Park Access With Physical Activity Levels During 1 Month Period After Acute Coronary Syndrome

Introduction: Physical activity (PA) is an important predictor of recovery after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) event, and research has demonstrated the importance of neighborhood walkability on PA. Walkability is shaped by land use, density, and the development of parks and pedestrian spaces, which may be particularly important in urban areas. However, it is unclear whether discrete components of walkability, such as park access, independently impact PA levels in ACS survivors. The purpose of this study was to investigate how residential park proximity and percentage of park land use impact PA levels during the month following a suspected ACS event. Methods: This sample included patients (n=374, 49% female, 63 ± 11.9 y) who presented to the emergency department for suspected ACS. PA data (sedentary behavior [SB], light intensity [LPA], moderate-vigorous intensity [MVPA]) were collected using a wrist worn GENEActiv accelerometer for 30 days post-discharge. Park access was assessed using Geographic Information System and operationalized to include count of parks and percentage of land use covered by parks within a 1km radius area around each geocoded home address. Multiple linear regressions were conducted to determine the relationship between park access factors (count and land use), PA levels, and SB. Results: Models adjusted for demographics, comorbidities, and disease severity indicators (Grace risk score, length of hospitalization) found a statistically significant positive association between park land use and MVPA (B [95% CI]= 44.25 [4.55-83.94], p-value=0.029). Additionally, there was a statistically significant positive association between park count and SB (B [95% CI]= 1.97 [0.42-3.53], p-value=0.013). Conclusions: We found that residential park land use was positively associated with MVPA in the first month following suspected ACS. Additionally, there was a positive association between park count and SB. These findings suggest that greater park access in neighborhoods may play a significant role in activity levels during ACS recovery. Future research is needed to understand which aspects of urban park design/environment should be modified to enhance physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior in ACS survivors.

What Drives the Alien Parrot Richness and Occurrence in Urban Green Spaces along the Annual Cycle in Buenos Aires City, Argentina?

Biological invasions are often one of the main causes of global biodiversity loss. Parrots are among the most globally traded taxa and have successfully invaded urban areas. Studies analyzing alien parrot-habitat relationships are scarce in cities of the southern hemisphere. This study aims to determine habitat characteristics influencing exotic parrot species richness, presence, and composition in urban parks in Buenos Aires City and to analyze variations during breeding and non-breeding seasons. A total of 35 parks were sampled during the breeding season and the non-breeding season, and habitat variables at local and landscape scales were measured. Parrot species richness was positively associated with tree species richness and a shorter distance to the La Plata River throughout the year. During the non-breeding season, parrot species richness increased in parks with a higher abundance of tree genera such as Eugenia, Podocarpus, Olea, and Washingtonia. However, during the breeding season, parrot species richness decreased with increased environmental noise. Taxonomic richness was higher during the breeding season. The occurrence of different species and composition depended differentially on each variable, and it varied between seasons. Our findings suggest that exotic parrot richness and presence may be influenced not only by tree diversity and park proximity to green corridors but also by specific exotic tree species providing resources for the parrots. Future urban green space designs should prioritize native tree planting to support local biodiversity over exotic trees that benefit invasive bird species.

The impact of remote work on green space values in regional housing markets

We examine the extent to which the increased prevalence of work from home (WFH) due to the COVID-19 pandemic has made green amenities more desirable.22Data provided by Zillow through the Zillow Transaction and Assessment Dataset (ZTRAX). More information on accessing the data can be found at http://www.zillow.com/ztrax. The results and opinions are those of the authors and do not reflect the position of the Zillow Group. Specifically, we focus on ten metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in the United States (Baltimore, Chicago, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, and Tampa) and use a hedonic pricing approach to identify changes in the implicit prices of yard space and park proximity. We use a combination of data sources, including the Zillow Transaction and Assessment Database (ZTRAX), Open Street Maps, Longitudinal Employer Household Dynamics Origin–Destination Employment Statistics (LODES), National Land Cover Database (NLCD), and the Environmental Protection Agency’s EnviroAtlas to study the interactions between the exposure of a given neighborhood to WFH shock and private yard space, as well as proximity to the nearest park. Our findings suggest that home buyers in all the MSAs, except Minneapolis and Pittsburgh, assigned a greater value to private green amenities during the post-COVID period. However, for the MSAs of Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh, the marginal willingness to pay (MWTP) for private green spaces decreased in the post-COVID period in the areas with large WFH shocks. No significant change in the MWTP for proximity to public green spaces is noted in the post-COVID period for most MSAs. An event study of yard space reveals that most MSAs experienced an increase in the hedonic price of yard space in the post-COVID period. In the pre-COVID period, for many MSAs, the hedonic price of yard space was decreasing over the years, and this trend reversed in the post-COVID period. These results suggest that the preferred amenity bundles of people living in major cities in the U.S. have shifted as a result of changes in their commutes and work habits.

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF SPORT RECREATIONAL PARK USE IN SZEGED’S ERZSÉBET LIGET

Objective: Our research was aimed to explore the opportunities Szeged’s largest park, the Erzsébet Liget's offers in the area of sport recreation, in addition, the composition, the sports habits, and the contentment of the park's adult visitors who came from nearby and also from more distant places. We hypothesized that the characteristics of access to the park and the characteristics of park use depend on the proximity of the user's residence. At the same time, their socio-demographic features and contentment are unrelated.
 Method: Our primary data were gained using random paper-based questionnaires (N=108). Those people were asked who was doing some physical exercise at various sports scenes in the park. Pearson's Chi-square test was used to explore the relationship between different categorical variables. 
 Results: The proximity of the park and the users' place of residence was strongly related to the travel time and the chosen mode of transport. At the same time, it did not show any significant relation to the features of park use for sports. These features, primarily due to the elderly visitors, only impacted the frequency of park visits with an aim other than sport. Also, no significant difference was found concerning the park's proximity, contentment with the services, and socio-demographic variables, although some tendencies were identified.
 Conclusion: The park's proximity did not have an impact of significance concerning the composition and the contentment of park visitors and their use of the sports facilities.

Towards green gentrification? The interplay between residential change, the housing market, and park proximity

Green gentrification is a potential side effect of the temporal change of green spaces via various improvements. This paper suggests that green gentrification may occur even when green spaces remain unchanged. Spatially-explicit datasets and econometric models were used for this purpose. We found that in the case study city, Lodz (Poland), residential change is linked to the housing market (i.e., the number of property transactions and their prices). However, the strength of this association depends on the proximity to temporarily unchanged parks. We also found that the value of park proximity among housing buyers rises, suggesting the increased desirability of living close to parks, resulting in more intense residential change close to parks than in other locations. Therefore, scholars should consider green gentrification as a process that may be induced by time (in)variant green spaces. More emphasis is needed in housing studies to explore how changing residential preferences are related to gentrification.

Investigating spatial heterogeneity of park inequity using three access measures: A case study in Hartford, Connecticut

Park inequity has been widely examined in U.S. cities, yet the results were inconclusive. This gap is possibly because of the consideration of one single aspect of access at a time and the lack of examination of spatial dependency and heterogeneity when modeling the relationship between park access and the socioeconomic status of populations. This study aims to contribute to these gaps in the studies of park equity by investigating park inequity using three access measures—park proximity, park congestion, and park crime—in Hartford, Connecticut. As a result, park proximity, park congestion, and park crime presented distinct spatial patterns and low correlations with each other. In addition, the results of geographically weighted regressions uncovered spatial heterogeneity in the relationships between the three park access measures and socioeconomic variables and confirmed that the relationships are location-specific with varying magnitudes and signs of the coefficients. In particular, median house value was associated with less park crowdedness particularly in White and Hispanic neighborhoods. Furthermore, southern neighborhoods showed more park crime disparities in relation to race, education, and income levels. The multidimensional and spatially heterogeneous patterns of park inequity inform urban planning on how to strategically allocate resources in pursuit of environmental justice.

Moderation effect of visible urban greenery on the association between neighbourhood deprivation and subjective well-being: Evidence from Hong Kong

The well-being benefit of urban greenery has been extensively documented broadly, though less is known about its moderation effect on the relationship between neighbourhood deprivation and subjective well-being. Some scholars also argued that the inconclusive associations between urban greenery and subjective well-being might be partially attributed to the various measuring methods of greenery and the difficulty to measure visible greenery objectively. In this study, we applied three approaches to objectively measure different aspects of urban greenery, including overall greenery by Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), visible greenery by Google Street View (GSV) images, and park proximity by geospatial data. We captured two dimensions of neighbourhood deprivation: socio-economic disadvantage and social fragmentation. Using data from the first wave (2015) of the Hong Kong Panel Survey for Poverty Alleviation (N = 1752), the association between urban greenery, neighbourhood deprivation, and subjective well-being was investigated with multilevel linear regression models, while controlling other covariates. We found that subjective well-being level was negatively associated with social fragmentation but no socio-economic disadvantages, while positively associated with overall greenery and visible greenery. Additional moderation effect analysis reveals that the negative linkage between social fragmentation and subjective well-being was significantly mitigated by visible greenery. These findings demonstrated the importance of visible greenery in enhancing subjective well-being, especially for residents in deprived neighbourhoods, and offered new insights to support urban planning and public health strategies to create a healthy living environment.

Environmental equity and access to parks in Greater Montreal: an analysis of spatial proximity and potential congestion issues

ABSTRACT Past studies have shown that the distribution of parks is not always equitably distributed in urban areas, raising concerns about environmental equity and justice. Most of them have analyzed park access by using the closest walking network distance. However, access could also vary locally according to both supply (park area or facilities) and the potential demand (population surrounding the park) by using the enhanced two-step floating catchment area (E2SFCA) method. This study aims to verify the existence of environmental inequities for four population groups (children, seniors, low-income individuals, and visible minorities) according to park proximity and potential park congestion. To do so, three accessibility measures are calculated: closest park (shortest walking distance) and two gradient E2SFCA (hectares and facilities per inhabitants). We find higher potential park area and facility congestion in inner-city neighborhoods than in suburban municipalities. Generalized linear models and multinomial logistic regression analyses show no drastic degrees of inequity over Greater Montreal. However, visible minorities and low-income households are more prone to live closer to potentially highly congested parks both in terms of hectares and facilities.

Disparities in neighborhood park access among adults in Philadelphia

Researchers have clearly identified the importance of green space to promote mental and physical health among humans. In urban areas, public parks are essential for providing access to green space for many residents. This study identified the relationships between demographics, neighborhood social capital, violent crime, and residential distance to the closest park (park proximity) with self-reported access to neighborhood parks, among a population-representative sample of adults in Philadelphia. Women, older age groups, minorities, and those with lower education levels had lower self-reported access to neighborhood parks. Those reporting high neighborhood social capital had higher self-reported access to neighborhood parks. Park proximity and number of violent crimes within 100 m from respondents’ residence were inversely associated with self-reported access to neighborhood parks. Interestingly, those living proximal to parks had higher odds of self-reported access to parks, but only among residents living in lower violent crime quartiles, and not in the highest violent crime quartile. These results suggest that those who lived in areas with high violent crime might be deterred from using neighborhood parks, even if there are parks close to their residence. Results of the study show that demographic groups that have been historically marginalized in the U.S., including women, older age groups and minorities, had lower self-reported access to parks in Philadelphia. The study also highlights the potential importance of neighborhood social capital and perceptions of safety to self-reported access to neighborhood parks.

Perceived ownership of urban parks: The role of the social environment

Prior studies have provided evidence that park user characteristics and park social context can contribute to a sense of park ownership. However, less is known about the collective contributions of these constructs to perceived park ownership. Therefore, we examined how park proximity to residential neighborhoods, frequency of park use, social cohesion, social capital, and social motivation are related to perceived park ownership. Visitor data (n = 493) were collected within two urban parks in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Path analysis indicated that park proximity, frequency of use, social cohesion, informal social control, and social motivations were significantly associated with perceived ownership of park spaces. Moreover, park proximity was positively related to perceived park ownership through social cohesion, informal social control, and social motivation. Our results highlight the critical role of the park social environment in shaping perceived ownership and the need for purposive action aimed at its modification in future park renovation and design concepts.

Park Proximity and Older Adults’ Active and Sedentary Behaviors in Dense Urban Areas

Park Proximity and Older Adults’ Active and Sedentary Behaviors in Dense Urban Areas

Is self-reported park proximity associated with perceived social disorder? Findings from eleven cities in Latin America

Parks and greenspaces can enhance personal health in various ways, including among others, through psychological restoration and improved well-being. However, under certain circumstances, parks may also have adverse effects by providing isolated and hidden spaces for non-normative and crime-related activities. This study uses a survey conducted by the Development Bank of Latin America in a cross-sectional representative sample of 7,110 respondents in eleven Latin-American cities. We examine associations between self-reported park proximity with perceived social disorder (drug use/sales, gangs, prostitution and assault and/or crime), and whether these associations are modified by neighborhood characteristics (informal neighborhoods, poor street-lighting, abandoned buildings, illegal dumping). High self-reported park proximity was associated with lower perceptions of social disorder, but these associations were no longer significant following adjustment for neighborhood characteristics. Significant interactions were observed between park proximity and neighborhood characteristics suggesting that the likelihood of perceiving social disorder increases with high park proximity in informal neighborhoods and in the presence of certain neighborhood characteristics, such as poor street-lighting, abandoned buildings, and illegal dumping in residential streets. The differential associations between reported park proximity and perceived social disorder in different living environments highlight the importance of supportive social and physical infrastructure to maximize the restorative benefits of parks in all urban areas.

Nature inequity and higher COVID-19 case rates in less-green neighbourhoods in the United States

Urban nature—such as greenness and parks—can alleviate distress and provide space for safe recreation during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, nature is often less available in low-income populations and communities of colour—the same communities hardest hit by COVID-19. In analyses of two datasets, we quantified inequity in greenness and park proximity across all urbanized areas in the United States and linked greenness and park access to COVID-19 case rates for ZIP codes in 17 states. Areas with majority persons of colour had both higher case rates and less greenness. Furthermore, when controlling for sociodemographic variables, an increase of 0.1 in the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index was associated with a 4.1% decrease in COVID-19 incidence rates (95% confidence interval: 0.9–6.8%). Across the United States, block groups with lower income and majority persons of colour are less green and have fewer parks. Our results demonstrate that the communities most impacted by COVID-19 also have the least nature nearby. Given that urban nature is associated with both human health and biodiversity, these results have far-reaching implications both during and beyond the pandemic.

Residential greenspace and internalizing behaviors in early childhood

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Prior studies suggest that greenspace promotes better mental health among adolescents and adults. We investigated associations between greenspace and internalizing behaviors in earlier childhood. METHODS: This study included children in the Conditions Affecting Neurocognitive Development and Learning in Early Childhood (CANDLE) pregnancy cohort in Memphis, TN, within the ECHO-Pathways Consortium. Child behaviors were parent-reported using the Child Behavior Checklist. We examined the internalizing behavior broadband score and six related subscales. Greenspace was characterized at participant residences as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) within 300m, percent tree canopy coverage of the census block group, and distance to the nearest park. Poisson regression models of raw scores were adjusted for a suite of child, maternal and neighborhood factors. RESULTS:In this sample (n=955), 65% of mothers identified as Black/African-American, 29% as White; 53% had at least a college/technical school degree. Children were on average 4.3 (SD 0.4) years old. Mean NDVI weighted across the year prior to outcome ascertainment was 0.59 (SD 0.08). The mean internalizing raw score was 6.2 (SD 2.1); 5.2% of the sample scored above the clinical threshold (63 t-score). A 0.1 unit higher NDVI was associated with a 9.4% lower internalizing score (95%CI: -17.5, -0.5), a 10.3% lower anxious/depressed score (95%CI: -19.3, -0.2), an 11.3% lower somatic complaints score (95%CI: -21.1, -0.3), and a 12.7% lower anxiety problems score (95%CI: -20.8, -3.8). Tree canopy was associated with the anxious/depressed and anxiety scores (-5.7% [95%CI: -11.0, -0.2] and -7.7% [95%CI: -12.5, -2.6], respectively, per 10% higher tree canopy coverage), but for the internalizing score confidence intervals included the null (-4.9% [95%CI: -9.7, 0.2]). No associations were observed with park proximity. CONCLUSIONS:More residential greenness and tree canopy were associated with fewer internalizing problems, suggesting that nature-based interventions may be relevant even early in childhood. KEYWORDS: Green space, Neurodevelopmental outcomes, Children's environmental health

Visitor access, use, and desired improvements in urban parks

Urban parks can provide many physical and psychological health benefits, but these may not be shared equitably among visitors. The purpose of this study was to explore park visitor demographics and activities, as well as their in-depth narratives regarding experiences, perceptions of accessibility, and desired improvements in a range of urban park types, using Portland, Oregon as a case study. We used a mixed-methods approach to interview and observe visitors in 15 urban parks of three general park types: recreational-active use, natural-passive use, and multi-use parks. The most common activities were physical recreation, interactions between adults, and adult-child interactions, which all support physical and mental well-being. Ninety-four percent of observed children were engaged in physical recreation and three-fourths were interacting with other children. Our non-metric multidimensional scaling ordinations with joint plots indicated some trends in visitor demographics and activities across park types, but we found no significant differences in the total number of observed visitors, females and males, racial-ethnic groups, or adults and children across park types. Our complementary in-depth, semi-structured interviews with participants revealed specific motivations for park visitation, access concerns, and desired improvements. Visitation was primarily motivated by physical recreation opportunities, accessibility, and children, whereas the main access concerns were park proximity, trails and paths, and maintenance. Feelings of safety were particularly important for female visitors, while a sense of community helped to create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors with underrepresented racial-ethnic backgrounds. Participants across demographics groups discussed preferences for improvements, which focused on enhancing various park amenities and social atmosphere. Only 19 % of participants indicated that no changes were needed in the parks. We provide strategies for urban park planners, governmental agencies, and community groups to continue enhancing urban park experiences and accessibility for diverse visitors.