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 activities, as well their in-depth narratives regarding experiences, perceptions accessibility, desired improvements in a range urban types, using Portland, Oregon case study. We used mixed-methods approach interview observe visitors 15 three general types: recreational-active use, natural-passive multi-use parks. most common activities were recreation, interactions between adults, adult-child interactions, which all support mental well-being. Ninety-four percent observed children engaged recreation three-fourths interacting with other children. Our non-metric multidimensional scaling ordinations joint plots indicated some trends across we found no significant differences the total number visitors, females males, racial-ethnic groups, or adults types. complementary in-depth, semi-structured interviews participants revealed specific motivations for visitation, access concerns, improvements. Visitation primarily motivated by opportunities, children, whereas main concerns proximity, trails paths, maintenance. Feelings safety particularly important female while sense community helped create welcoming atmosphere underrepresented backgrounds. Participants groups discussed preferences improvements, focused on enhancing various amenities social atmosphere. Only 19 % that changes needed strategies planners, governmental agencies, continue experiences accessibility diverse