Citation

Willemse L. GeoJournal 2018; 83(5): 915-934.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s10708-017-9809-4

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Parks enhance the urban environment by creating opportunities for natural and dynamic recreation essential for healthy living and an improved quality of life. Parks also enhance Cape Town's cityscape, but their unequal distribution and development has resulted in environmental injustice in poorer communities. This study aims to determine how preferences and needs for parks and park usage/non-usage patterns compare between three income-based class groups in Cape Town, South Africa. Questionnaires were distributed to the parents of primary and secondary schoolchildren in Cape Town's high-, middle- and low-income areas.

RESULTS from the study indicate class-based distinctions in park usage/non-usage. More low-income respondents lack private gardens and cannot reach parks within a 15-min walk, but the low-income children still visited parks more often and stayed for longer. Walking is the most popular form of transport to parks, where children and adults mostly participate in active and passive recreation respectively. Class-based distinctions are evident in the reasons for park non-usage, which mostly reflect the satisfaction and nuisance ratings, and suggest ways to improve parks. ANOVA and Chi square analyses show that middle-income areas struggle disproportionately with parks, while descriptive statistics highlight problems in low-income parks. Park usage can be improved through an overall income-benefits-based park-management model.

Language: en

Keywords

Cape Town; Class-based distinctions; Income-benefits-based park management model; Park satisfaction and nuisance indices; Park usage patterns; Parks; Reasons for park non-usage