Delineating the Dichotomy and Synergistic Dynamics of Environmental Determinants on Temporally Responsive Park Vitality

• Published in: Sustainability 2023-09, Vol.15 (17), p.12907
• Main Authors: Zeng, Liguo, Liu, Chunqing, Wang, Mo, Zhou, Chengling, Xie, Guanhong, Wu, Binsheng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analysis; Big Data; China; Dependent variables; Geography; Investigations; Outdoor activities; Parks; Parks & recreation areas; Social networks; Statistical analysis; Sustainability; Sustainable urban development; Urban development
• ISSN: 2071-1050; 2071-1050
• DOI: 10.3390/su151712907

Promoting park vitality is fundamental for advancing both residents’ well-being and sustainable urban development. Current research often sidesteps the temporal fluctuations and combined effects of environmental factors on park vitality. Drawing on real-time user density data from Tencent, this investigation analyzed park vitality across 64 urban parks in Fuzhou, China, divided into five specific temporal periods on weekdays and weekends. Through the application of geographic detector models, this study examined the impact and interplay of both intrinsic and extrinsic environmental characteristics on park vitality over these different times. Our primary findings include: (1) environmental attributes affecting park vitality vary temporally, with aspects like commercial density, leisure facility density, and park size consistently influencing vitality; (2) on weekdays, external attributes linked to convenience are predominant, while on weekends, internal attributes connected to recreation take precedence; and (3) there is a synergetic interaction between environmental determinants, often leading to either additive or more intricate effects on park vitality. Based on these insights, we propose recommendations for spatial planning and time-based policies to enhance the alignment between urban settings and park quality. This research provides actionable strategies for enhancing park vitality, both within China and internationally.