Investigation of the influence mechanism of park usage intensity and flexibility based on multi-source data: a case study of pocket parks in Beijing

Abstract

This study selected 24 highly popular pocket parks in Beijing and conducted field research to collect data on park use during weekdays and weekends. SPSS correlation analysis and the development of a decision tree model were used to rank the key factors that influence the flexibility and intensity of park use on weekdays and weekends. The findings indicated that the key factors impacting the flexibility and intensity of park use on weekdays, in order of importance, are seat density, recreation facilities density, land use entropy (LUE), distance to a public toilet, POI density, and 5-min accessibility. On the other hand, the main factors influencing the flexibility and intensity of park use on weekends are 5-min accessibility, seat density, POI density, fitness facilities density, distance to the bus stop, distance to a public toilet, and life service facilities density. These findings offer valuable insights for the study of pocket parks in other cities.

Keywords:

• Pocket parks
• flexibility of use
• intensity of use
• green space
• urban planning

Author contributions

Xiaoyue Wang: writing–original draft preparation and conceptualisation. Xi Zhang: formal analysis. Wenzhuo Sun: visualisation. Caihui Yi, Bingjie Gao, and Jingyu Wu: data curation. Xiaoyu Ge: coordinated manuscript writing and revision, and responsible for communication with the journal editor.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by Beijing Social Science Foundation (Approval No. 21JCC094) and Beijing Municipal Co-Construction Project (2015BLUREE01).

Notes on contributors

Xiaoyue Wang

Xiaoyue Wang is a Master’s student at Beijing Forestry University. Her main research interest is the optimisation of functions and layouts of urban low-impact development facilities and parks.

Xi Zhang

Xi Zhang is an undergraduate at the School of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University. His research interests include urban green space system planning and digital design of landscape architecture.

Wenzhuo Sun

Wenzhuo Sun is a current Master’s student at Beijing Forestry University. Her main research interest is the optimisation of functions and layouts of urban low-impact development facilities and parks.

Caihui Yi

Caihui Yi is a Master’s student at Beijing Forestry University. Her main research interest is the optimisation of functions and layouts of urban low-impact development facilities and parks.

Bingjie Gao

Bingjie Gao is a Master’s student at Beijing Forestry University. Her research interests and directions: Historic Gardens and Landscape Heritage Conservation, Landscape Architecture Heritageization, and Urban Renewal.

Jingyu Wu

Jingyu Wu is a Master’s student at Beijing Forestry University. His research interests and directions: Historic Gardens and Landscape Heritage Conservation, Landscape Architecture Heritageization, and Urban Renewal.

Xiaoyu Ge

Xiaoyu Ge is an associate professor at Beijing Forestry University and his main research interests are landscape hydrology.