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Urban Parks as Perceived by City Residents with Mobility Difficulties: A Qualitative Study with In-Depth Interviews

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  • Magdalena Wojnowska-Heciak

    (Department of Landscape Architecture, Institute of Environmental Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Marzena Suchocka

    (Department of Landscape Architecture, Institute of Environmental Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Magdalena Błaszczyk

    (Department of Landscape Architecture, Institute of Environmental Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Magdalena Muszyńska

    (Department of Landscape Architecture, Institute of Environmental Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland)

Abstract

Urban green spaces make an invaluable contribution to the health and well-being of all city residents. Therefore, urban park quality and accessibility are crucial factors in stimulating physical and mental health benefits. This study aimed to assess the quality of urban parks and their accessibility as reported by people with mobility difficulties (seniors, blind and partially sighted people). Four key features of a place (accessibility and linkages, comfort and image, uses and activities and sociability) were considered in an in-depth-interviews (IDI) and “walk-and-talk” interviews. Study results indicate a problem of accessibility of urban parks for people with mobility difficulties (uneven gravel surfaces). However, non-physical aspects of park visits (social activities, cultural events, place branding) were reported as essential factors in explaining the motivation for park visits. Despite individual preferences, experience or reported difficulties, all respondents’ attitudes towards park trips were positive. Therefore, we assume that accessibility is more than just physical comfort. Cultural and social activities play an important role in motivating people with a disability to visit a park.

Suggested Citation

  • Magdalena Wojnowska-Heciak & Marzena Suchocka & Magdalena Błaszczyk & Magdalena Muszyńska, 2022. "Urban Parks as Perceived by City Residents with Mobility Difficulties: A Qualitative Study with In-Depth Interviews," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-19, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:4:p:2018-:d:746946
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Marzena Suchocka & Paweł Jankowski & Magdalena Błaszczyk, 2019. "Perception of Urban Trees by Polish Tree Professionals vs. Nonprofessionals," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-20, January.
    3. Taylor, Zbigniew & Józefowicz, Iwona, 2012. "Intra-urban daily mobility of disabled people for recreational and leisure purposes," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 24(C), pages 155-172.
    4. Magdalena Wojnowska-Heciak, 2019. "The Naturalness of the Vistula Riverbank’s Landscape: Warsaw Inhabitants’ Perceptions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(21), pages 1-28, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ziqian Bao & Yihang Bai & Tao Geng, 2023. "Examining Spatial Inequalities in Public Green Space Accessibility: A Focus on Disadvantaged Groups in England," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-22, September.
    2. Magdalena Wojnowska-Heciak & Jakub Heciak & Adam Kłak, 2022. "Concrete Paving Slabs for Comfort of Movement of Mobility-Impaired Pedestrians—A Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-17, March.

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