Quality of urban parks in the perception of city residents with mobility difficulties

Abstract

Urban parks should be inclusive for all. Availability and accessibility of urban parks determine the quality of life in cities. The importance of access increases for residents with limited mobility who, facing obstacles due to inadequate adjustment of the surrounding physical space, are exposed to social exclusion. Five groups of respondents completed a survey questionnaire revealing their attitudes towards green areas and indicating barriers to parks' accessibility. The groups were designed to include blind and vision impaired people, those who use a wheelchair, have a physical disability of any kind, their carers/assistants and parents pushing strollers. The results revealed more similarities than differences among the five groups (the differences included preferences towards the neighbourhood and destination parks, physical barriers in parks, as well as using assistive technology devices and mobile assistive applications). Overall, city residents with mobility difficulties find those green public spaces as an important element of their life quality.

Keywords: Blind; Carers/assistants of people with a disability; Limited mobility park users; Parents of children who use strollers to navigate in urban park; Park accessibility; Park availability; People who use a wheelchair; Social survey; Vision impaired.

Figure 1. Percentage distribution of answers of all respondents to the question about factors influencing their willingness to stay in the park more often or longer.

Figure 2. Percentage distribution of answers of all respondents to the question concerning the most burdensome barriers in the parks.

Figure 3. The relationship between the groups of disabilities and the type of barrier (the distance between these elements reflects the strength of the relationship).

(LR, lack of ramps; LT, lack of accessible toilets; DA, difficult access to the park; HK, too high thresholds (step slope pads); IS , improper surface; LS, lack of feeling of safety; LP, lack of the park’s programme; IW , improper width of alleys; FB, too few benches; IM, inappropriate park entrance; NM , lack of appropriate park markings; WC, wheelchair users; CC, carers/assistants of people with a disability and parents who use strollers for their children; MD, people with mobility problems; VI , vision impaired; BP, blind).

Figure 4. Percentage distribution of answers of all the respondents to the question concerning the most frequently performed activities.

Figure 5. Analysis of the correspondence presenting the relationship between belonging to one of the groups of disabilities and most frequently performed activities (the distance between these elements reflects the strength of the relationship).