Park Research Articles

Occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in feces collected from stray dogs and in public parks in the city of Anápolis-Goiás

This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in the feces of dogs and soil in public squares and parks in Anápolis. The presence of parasites in public squares and parks is primarily attributed to domesticated dogs that do not receive antiparasitic treatment and stray dogs, which can act as reservoirs for intestinal parasites with the potential to infect humans. Visceral Larva Migrans (VLM) and Cutaneous Larva Migrans (CLM) are of great importance when addressing gastrointestinal parasites, representing specific forms of parasitic infection that can affect humans. Additionally, other parasites such as Trichuris trichiura, Dipylidium caninum, and Giardia spp. are highlighted for their potential to cause intestinal infections. The transmission of these parasites is facilitated by improper human practices, such as handling food with dirty hands after contact with animals or contaminated soil. Of the 89 analyzed samples of shelter dog feces, 30.3% showed one or more parasites, with Toxocara canis being the most frequently found (24.7%). Associations between Ancylostoma sp and Toxocara canis were also observed in 3.37% of dogs. In the 105 feces soil samples collected in parks and squares, 29.5% tested positive, with emphasis on Ancylostoma canis. This underscores the importance of raising awareness among the population regarding the transmission of these parasites and the need to control the population of stray animals in public spaces, as well as the preventive deworming of dogs to reduce environmental contamination.

HEDONIC PRICING MODEL (HPM) ON SOUTH TANGERANG RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY VALUE

This study investigates the effects of location, structural, and environmental attributes on residential property values in South Tangerang City, Indonesia. The research employs the Hedonic Pricing Model (HPM), formulated mathematically using the multiple linear regression approach to determine the relative contribution given by these attributes. To achieve the objective, data were collected from information on residential properties in South Tangerang City which is accessible on various property buying and selling websites. The data collection was limited from July 2023 to January 2024. The results showed that some variables affected the value of residential properties, such as distances to KRL stations, public parks, top high schools, and the Central Business District (CBD), as well as building areas, land areas, and the number of rooms (bathrooms and bedrooms). However, other variables, such as distances to malls, hospitals, universities, and population density, had no partial effect on residential property values. If we look at the types of variables, the standardized coefficient beta test revealed that building areas were the most dominant variable affecting the property values in the region. This finding is different from other results, showing that property values are local. The influence of property attributes can vary across regions, so the impacts and relationships are different, too.

Layering Public Park Histories: Uncovering the Effects of Restoration Idea[l]s in Post-War Urban Spaces in Germany and the U.S.

Layering Public Park Histories: Uncovering the Effects of Restoration Idea[l]s in Post-War Urban Spaces in Germany and the U.S.

Power Demand Patterns of Public Electric Vehicle Charging: A 2030 Forecast Based on Real-Life Data

As the adoption of electric vehicles accelerates, understanding the impact of public charging on the power grid is crucial. However, today, a notable gap exists in the literature regarding approaches capable of accurately estimating the expected influence of e-mobility power demand on electrical grids, especially at medium and low voltage levels. To fill this gap, in this study, a procedure is proposed to estimate the power demand patterns of public car parks in a 2030 scenario. To this end, data collected from real-life car parks in Italy are used in Monte Carlo simulations, where probabilistic daily power demand curves are created with different maximum charging powers (from 7.4 kW to ultra-fast charging). The results highlight high variability in the power demand depending on the location and type of car park. City center car parks exhibit peak demand during morning hours, linked to commercial activities, while car parks near railway stations and hospitals show demand patterns aligned with transportation and healthcare needs. Business area car parks, in contrast, have a more pronounced demand during work hours on weekdays, with much lower activity during weekends. This study also demonstrates that, in some situations, ultra-fast charging can increase peak power demand from the grid by up to 210%. Given their contribution to the existing literature, the power demand patterns from this research constitute a valuable starting point for future studies aimed at quantitatively assessing the impact of e-mobility on the power system. In addition, they can effectively support decision-makers in optimally designing the e-mobility recharge infrastructure.

What Kills Mature Street and Park Trees in Cities? Systematic Quantitative Review of Published Case Studies.

Street and park trees often endure harsher conditions, including increased temperatures and drier soil and air, than those found in urban or natural forests. These conditions can lead to shorter lifespans and a greater vulnerability to dieback. This literature review aimed to identify confirmed causes of street and park tree dieback in urban areas from around the world. Peer-reviewed case studies related to urban tree decline were scanned for the words "urban", "city", "cities", "tree*", "decline", "dieback", "mortality", and "survival". From an initial pool of 1281 papers on Web of Science and 1489 on Scopus, 65 original peer-reviewed research papers were selected for detailed analysis. Out of all species reported to decline, 46 were native, while non-natives were represented by 35 species. The most commonly affected trees were Platanus, Fraxinus, Acer, and Ficus. Most studies were conducted in Mediterranean, humid subtropical, and humid continental climates, with the greatest representation from the United States, followed by Australia, Brazil, Iran, Italy, and Russia. Many authors focused on either biotic or abiotic causes of dieback; some explored both, and some also discussed underlying environmental and urban stresses as potential predisposing factors. The majority (81% of the papers) concluded that a decline was caused by either an arthropod or a microorganism. Overall, it was suggested that changing management strategies to improve water availability and soil health might help with tree resilience. Additionally, regular monitoring and research, along with improving tree species selection and implementing biological and chemical control methods, can help prevent or slow down tree decline. Increasing awareness and adopting preventative approaches could help to extend the lifespan of street and park trees in urban environments and mitigate some of the biological threats, especially considering the challenges we may be facing due to the changing climate.

Effect of reserve protection level and governance on tree cover loss and gain.

Terrestrial protected areas are essential for biodiversity conservation, yet it is not fully understood when and how different types of protected areas are most effective in achieving specific conservation objectives. We assessed the impact of reserves on tree cover loss and gain through a case study in Tasmania, Australia. We considered varying protection levels (strict, where human activities are restricted, and multiple use) and governance types (public and private). We used a counterfactual matching approach to compare tree cover loss and gain between reserves and matched unprotected areas from 2004 to 2021. We accounted for forest policy changes, environmental covariates, and human pressures to reduce placement bias. We also characterized reserves by size, governance, management, and vegetation and compared covariates inside and outside reserves to define baseline conditions. Reserves established from 2004 to 2016 were overall 75.4% less likely to have lost tree cover and 16.0% more likely to have had tree cover gain compared with controls. Patterns of loss and gain varied by protection level and governance type. Multiple-use reserves were as effective as reserves in which human activities were more restricted. Privately managed reserves contributed to tree cover growth, and public reserves helped avoid loss. This highlights reserves' distinct contributions to conservation targets, with private reserves allowing for growth and restoration and public reserves acting as stable anchor points. Our results emphasize the importance of having a diverse array of protected areas to enhance the resilience of reserve networks. We advocate for adaptive regional measures and robust monitoring to achieve global ecological targets.

‘She Loved This Place’: Memorial Benches as Death Writing, Life Writing and Life Siting

ABSTRACT This paper explores the phenomenon of the memorial bench. Despite the proliferation of online spaces for memorialising a person who has died, there is a growing demand for physical commemorations of family members or friends in places that were meaningful to them, as evidenced by the waiting-lists for memorial benches in sought-after spots. I explore some reasons for their increasing popularity, their very materiality valued as a way of marking a life in a digital age. Memorial benches are also a reminder of the ways in which public spaces are stitched into daily routines, of the quiet value and meaning attached to local public squares, parks and beaches, increasingly encroached upon by privatisation. While memorial benches have been studied as an example of memory and grief practices, they have been, in comparison, relatively neglected as a form of life writing. So this paper also reflects on the benches as a celebration of seemingly undistinguished lives, as a mode of bringing the private into the public and for its performative aspects. Finally, I consider memorial benches as relational narratives – cryptic but often emotionally-charged biographies linking self and other – and analyse some examples.

Relationship between Recreational Hiking and Mental Resilience in Adults in Scandinavia

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between recreational hiking and mental resilience in adults. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Recreational hiking enhances mental resilience in adults by reducing stress, boosting mood, and fostering mindfulness through exposure to nature and physical activity. It builds coping skills and self-efficacy by overcoming challenges, while group hiking strengthens social connections and emotional support. Regular hiking also improves cognitive function and reduces anxiety and depression, making it a holistic and effective way to promote mental well-being. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social learning theory, ecological systems theory & self-determination theory may be used to anchor future studies on the relationship between recreational hiking and mental resilience in adults. Health and wellness practitioners should integrate hiking into mental health interventions, particularly for individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, or burnout. Policymakers should prioritize funding for public parks, green spaces, and hiking trails to ensure equitable access to natural environments.

Effects of lifestyle activity level on anticipatory locomotor adjustments for pedestrian circumvention: an exploratory study.

Navigating public environments requires adjustments to one's walking patterns to avoid stationary and moving obstacles. It is known that physical inactivity induces alterations in motor capacities, but the impact of inactivity on anticipatory locomotor adjustments (ALA) has not been studied. The purpose of the present exploratory study was to compare ALAs and related muscle co-contraction during a pedestrian circumvention task between active (AA) and inactive young adults (IA). Fourteen AA and fourteen IA were placed in a virtual environment simulating a public park. Participants circumvented virtual pedestrians walking towards them. Walking speed, onset of deviation, clearance, foot placement strategies and muscle co-contraction were analysed on a total of 26 participants (13 in each group; 2 excluded due to technical issues). IA exhibited slower walking speeds compared to the AA during circumvention condition but not during unobstructed walking condition. The distance at the onset of trajectory deviation was larger for IA. Both groups increased co-contraction for pedestrian circumvention at the ankle and left hip and IA displayed greater ankle co-contraction overall. No significant group differences were observed in minimum clearance. This study suggests that an inactive lifestyle influences ALAs by inducing a cautious behavior during pedestrian circumvention.

Public Satisfaction in Medan Green Public Parks: The Role of Service Quality, Facilities, and Trust

Public Satisfaction in Medan Green Public Parks: The Role of Service Quality, Facilities, and Trust

Safety-perception map: a participatory tool to explore the user’s perception of safety in urban public parks

ABSTRACT Perceived safety significantly influences the use of urban public spaces. This study utilizes safety-perception maps to identify safety perceptions among users of public parks in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. In three parks, 132 users participated in perception walks, interviews, and safety-perception mapping. Overlay maps revealed hotspots corroborated by interview data. Key environmental factors contributing to insecurity included lack of surveillance, unclear territoriality, and absence of legitimate activities. The findings align with other methods and demonstrate the practical utility of safety-perception maps. Addressing these factors can enhance urban park safety and encourage active community use.

Motives for and barriers to the use of public space among teenage girls: a scoping review

ABSTRACT Numerous studies underscore the significant role of the outdoor environment in promoting physical and mental health, but at the same time research has shown that teenage girls are less active compared to boys. This is a multidimensional question that cannot be solved with one answer. This scoping review examined the relationship between the physical environment and the barriers to and the motives for using the public space. In this review, we define the public space as public squares, parks, and green spaces. Systematic searches in four online databases – PsycINFO, Sociological s, Avery, and Scopus – were performed using a selection of environmental, gender, barrier, and motive terms. We included both quantitative and qualitative studies. A total of 9,539 articles were screened, 74 studies were included for full-text reading, and 27 articles were included in the final analysis. The review showed four overarching themes: Identity, leisure activities, social norms, and distance to public space and safety considerations that hinder teenage girls in using the public space. The 27 reviews allow us to conclude that outdoor settings can be seen as a comprehensive resource for enhancing both physical and mental health for teenage girls.

From coffee shops to online platforms: students’ construction of and experiences in multiple higher education learning spaces

ABSTRACT Learning space has expanded to spaces outside the traditional classroom, such as public transport, cafés, or parks, where students can easily engage in learning activities. In order to understand whether students use classrooms outside class time, where their learning takes place, why, when, and with whom, students’ experiences should be at the forefront of the inquiry. This study is among the first that attempts to understand students’ experiences of learning spaces in a non-Western higher education context. Data collected from weekly reflective journals and interviews with 10 university students sheds light on their engagement with multiple learning spaces in their everyday life, and their navigation of and their transitions between formal, timetabled and informal, non-timetabled learning spaces. The paper reveals the way personal space is carved from public space and personal time for learning, and how learning involves students’ arrangements to take advantage of different spaces for educational purposes.

Models of ecological renovation of industrial buildings for the creation of shopping, entertainment or recreational complexes

The article examines the key features of the functional planning and spatial architectural treatment of the typological group of public buildings and structures during renovation of industrial buildings in coastal areas in order to create promising models of two different types of multifunctional spaces: a shopping and entertainment complex, and a public park. Both approaches exploit the structural and spatial advantages of these buildings and modern architectural-ecological techniques, such as: adaptive reuse, structural reinforcement, and integration of natural light and environmentally friendly materials. The key differences lie in their focus: shopping and entertainment centers emphasize commercial activities and leisure through a dynamic shopping environment, while public parks give preference to green areas and outdoor recreation, integrating extensive landscape design and environmental sustainability methods into the project. Overall, these renovation models not only improve the urban environment, but also contribute to the well-being of the population and restoration of the environment in the area.

Impact of boundary layer stability on urban park cooling effect intensity

Abstract. The added heat in cities amplifies the health risks of heat waves. At night under calm winds and cloud-free skies, the air in the urban canopy layer can be several degrees warmer than in rural areas. This lower nocturnal cooling in the built-up settings poses severe health risks to the urban inhabitants, as indoor spaces cannot be ventilated effectively. With heat waves becoming more frequent and more intense in future climates, many cities are expanding their green spaces with the aim to introduce cooling through shading, evaporation and lower heat storage capacities. In this study, we assessed how the evening and nighttime cooling effect of urban parks (relative to nearby built-up settings) varies with the park size and the mesoscale atmospheric conditions during warm summer periods. Using a combination of meteorological surface station data and compact radiosondes, the cooling effect is quantified for several urban parks (about 15 ha) and urban woods (about 900 ha). A profiling Doppler wind lidar deployed in the city centre is used to measure turbulent vertical mixing conditions in the urban boundary layer. We find that the maximum nocturnal cooling effects in urban parks range around 1–5 °C during a 1-week heat wave event in mid-July 2022 but also in general during summer 2022 (June–August). Three atmospheric stability and mixing regimes are identified that explain the night-to-night variability in the park cooling effect. We find that very low turbulent vertical mixing in the urban boundary layer (<0.05 m2 s−2) results in the strongest evening cooling in both rural settings and urban parks and the weakest cooling in the built-up environment. This regime specifically occurs during heat waves in connection with large-scale advection of hot air over the region and corresponding subsidence. When nocturnal turbulent vertical mixing above the city is stronger, the evening cooling in urban green spaces is less efficient, so the atmospheric stratification above both urban parks and woods is less stable, and temperature contrasts compared to the built-up environment are less pronounced. These results highlight the fact that urban green spaces have a significant cooling potential during heat waves, with maximum effects at night as advection and mixing transport processes are minimal. This suggests adapting the opening hours of public parks to enable residents to benefit from these cooling islands.

The Relationship Between Park Access and Quality and Various Health Metrics in a Metropolitan Area in South Carolina Using the CDC Places Dataset.

Limited access to high-quality green spaces could contribute to growing rates of chronic diseases and unhealthy behaviors. Public parks provide numerous benefits for population well-being. However, past research has shown mixed results regarding the association between proximal parks and residents' physical and mental health. This study examined the relationship between diverse elements of park access and quality and multiple health outcomes. Seventy-three unique parks within 70 census tracts in 4 cities in South Carolina were analyzed. Data about 7 aspects of park quality (transportation access, facility availability, facility quality, amenity availability, park aesthetics, park quality concerns, neighborhood quality concerns) were collected via on-site observations using the Community Park Audit Tool. Health data for each tract (obesity, no leisure time physical activity, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, depression, poor mental health) were collected from the CDC PLACES dataset. Linear regression analyses examined the association between 10 park access and quality metrics and 8 health metrics, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. All associations were in the unexpected direction except 1 relationship involving mental health. Specifically, positive associations were found between the number of parks and obesity, the number of parks and no leisure time physical activity, transportation access and obesity, and transportation access and high blood pressure. As concerns about neighborhood quality increased, poor mental health status worsened. This study provides valuable information for public health professionals and researchers. Further research is needed to expand on and elucidate these findings.

Health Outcomes of Transitional Space Design for Older Adults with Dementia

AbstractBackgroundThe built environment is increasingly recognized as a valid medical intervention, known to affect mental and social health, which can carry consequences for cognitive function. “Transitional spaces” are indoor/outdoor areas designed to foster connections to the surrounding world and boost well‐being including windows, porches, and public parks. Little is known about the space design characteristics that might help improve social and mental health. The goal of this study is to better understand how transitional space engagement impacts health outcomes in those with and without Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD).MethodSurveys were remotely administered to community‐dwelling healthy older adults and those with early‐stage ADRD. A novel built environment survey assessing community and home design features as well as questionnaires measuring loneliness, social isolation, mood, anxiety, and cognitive performance were included. We hypothesized that greater use of residential transitional design features (such as windows) and greater access to outdoor spaces (such as parks) will be associated with positive health outcomes (e.g., lower depression, loneliness).Result51 older adults with and without ADRD completed the assessment, consisting of 27 healthy adults and 24 cognitively impaired individuals, ages 55 to 90 (<I>M</I> = 73.9, <I>SD</I> = 6.8). Of the sample, 65% of these individuals reported single family homes, and 78% reported living with someone else. The majority of individuals reported access to community parks (Table 1). Indoor space and window use was also characterized, and individuals who frequently look out the window in their home experienced significantly less social isolation, t(41) = 2.92, p = .006 (Figure 1). No such relationships were apparent for depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Additional transitional space features and their use will be discussed in further analyses (Table 2).ConclusionFor older adults who increasingly stay in the home, transitional spaces may allow ways of engaging with the social landscape, promoting benefit, and mitigating effects of isolation. Recognizing the built environment’s role in social connections, mental health and cognition is imperative in designing opportunities for improving the lives of older adults, with and without ADRD.

A Cross-Sectional Study on Social Isolation and Loneliness Related to COVID-19 Among Middle and Late-Stage Elderly in Jazan, Saudi Arabia.

Precautionary measures implemented to reduce the spread of COVID-19, such as social distancing and stay-at-home orders, have inevitably affected the mental health of older adults. This study aimed to measure loneliness among the elderly living in the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia, during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study was conducted between February and April 2022 in the Jazan area, Saudi Arabia. A convenience sampling method was employed to recruit 100 elderly participants (≥ 60 years) from various public locations, including malls, social gatherings, parks, and beaches, across different neighborhoods in Jazan. Qualitative survey data was collected by interviewing each participant. Loneliness level was measured using the De Jong Gierveld Scale, complemented by self-made questions addressing sociodemographic information, communication means, frequency of contact with family and friends, and ability to perform daily activities. The chi-square test was utilized to identify factors associated with loneliness. The De Jong Gierveld scale revealed that most study participants (80%) experienced moderate loneliness despite living arrangements, as 87% were living with their family members. In contrast, only 12% of participants reported severe loneliness. Of all sociodemographic variables, only age and housing companion showed statistically significant relations with loneliness levels (p = 0.005 and < 0.001, respectively). Additionally, loneliness levels were found to be significantly associated with the frequency of communication with family and/or friends (p = 0.002) and knowledge of modern communication means (p = 0.048). This study highlights a high prevalence of social and emotional loneliness among elderly individuals in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, during the COVID-19 pandemic. It indicates that robust family living arrangements alone did not mitigate loneliness in this population. The findings suggest that limited adoption of digital communication and cultural factors contributed to loneliness. While these insights provide a foundation for understanding elderly loneliness in Saudi Arabia, further research is needed to explore these factors in greater depth and assess the effectiveness of potential interventions like mental health counseling and social support programs.

Social Infrastructure During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evaluating the Impact of Outdoor Recreation on Pandemic Dynamics in Europe

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically affected mental and physical well-being, leading to significant changes in daily habits and preferences. Given that pandemics require the tear down of most social ties and interactions to limit their inevitable spread, this study delved into the extent to which social infrastructures have been affected, focusing on behavioral shifts in essential services such as retail, recreation, groceries, pharmacies, public transport, parks and open spaces, workplaces, and residential areas. Notably, while most social infrastructures saw a decline in public usage, parks and open spaces experienced increased visitation despite public health measures aimed at minimizing social interactions. This striking increase in park and open space visitations has captured the interest of this study to observe the impact it had on the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the underlying causes behind this trend. Since Europe was heavily affected by the pandemic, this study focused specifically on European countries over a two-year period (March 2020 to March 2022), covering the severe period of the pandemic. While parks and open spaces initially showed no direct influence on the pandemic trajectory, when closely observing visitation trends, both increases and declines, opposing insights were revealed. This study found that attempts to reduce park and open space visitation were significantly unsuccessful, leading to substantial increases in both the magnitude and duration of visits once restrictions were eased. This surge in park and open space attendance corresponded to notable spikes in new infections during periods of peak visitation. Therefore, urban planning and public health authorities must prioritize safely accommodating the increased park and open space demand while effectively minimizing virus transmission. This involves considering park sizes and proximity, along with implementing a balanced set of crucial public health strategies to support community well-being and resilience.

An instituting-organisational framework for the interpretation of urban commoning. Lessons from a neighbourhood park

Drawing on critical scholarship on commoning processes, this article aims to contribute to the debate by reflecting on an argumentative case that took place in a neighbourhood public park on the northern outskirts of the city of Catania in Italy. Based on our direct engagement in such a process, we discuss the rise and fall of this ‘commoning attempt’, with the aim of reflecting on the possibilities and the pitfalls associated with the collective effort to take care of a neglected space. The case is discussed using a theoretical framework developed intersecting Argyris' theory of organisational learning and Esposito’s ‘instituting thought’ applied to urban planning. Through the narrative of the main stages of a nine-month process, using a variety of sources of evidence – our field notes, archival materials, etc. –, we discuss some key elements to contribute to the advancement of the disciplinary debate on the possibilities opened by the instituting-organisational approach.