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Evaluating Inequity in Access to Park-Based Physical Activity at the Sub-District Scale: A Case Study in Xianyang, China

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  • Mingyang He

    (College of Landscape Architecture and Arts, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China)

  • Hongqian Ren

    (College of Landscape Architecture and Arts, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China)

  • Wenxi Wang

    (College of Landscape Architecture and Arts, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China)

  • Xiaoxiao Feng

    (College of Landscape Architecture and Arts, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China)

  • Kai Wang

    (College of Landscape Architecture and Arts, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China)

Abstract

Urban densification has heightened residents’ demand for equitable access to urban park services, particularly those that support physical activity (PA). This access is crucial for public health and sustainable urban development. We developed the Park-Based Physical Activity Composite Attractiveness Score (PCAS) to assess the supply and service equity of parks at the sub-district scale in the central city of Xianyang, western China. The average PCAS for all parks in the study area was 46, with 69% scoring below the benchmark of 60, indicating that the parks fail to meet residents’ PA needs. We found a significant imbalance in park distribution. The 14 sub-districts we measured had an average supply score of 42 and a demand score of 49, demonstrating a clustering of park services in areas with natural resources and higher socioeconomic status. While the overall park service level was found to be reasonably equitable (Gini coefficient of 0.38), a large gap in the sub-dimensional indicators point to inequities in park services. The following scenario optimization suggested that adding new parks could more effectively enhance equity and residents’ PA levels than simply increasing park facilities. Our results provide valuable insights for urban park planning and policy-making, and contribute to the development of more equitable and accessible park services to achieve public health objectives.

Suggested Citation

  • Mingyang He & Hongqian Ren & Wenxi Wang & Xiaoxiao Feng & Kai Wang, 2024. "Evaluating Inequity in Access to Park-Based Physical Activity at the Sub-District Scale: A Case Study in Xianyang, China," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-23, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:13:y:2024:i:12:p:2179-:d:1543463
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chang Wang & Siyuan Wang & Yilun Cao & Haojun Yan & Yunyuan Li, 2023. "The Social Equity of Urban Parks in High-Density Urban Areas: A Case Study in the Core Area of Beijing," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-21, September.
    2. Shu Feng & Liding Chen & Ranhao Sun & Zhiqiang Feng & Junran Li & Muhammad Sadiq Khan & Yongcai Jing, 2019. "The Distribution and Accessibility of Urban Parks in Beijing, China: Implications of Social Equity," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-14, December.
    3. Kaczynski, A.T. & Potwarka, L.R. & Saelens P, B.E., 2008. "Association of park size, distance, and features with physical activity in neighborhood parks," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 98(8), pages 1451-1456.
    4. Alessio Russo & Maria Beatrice Andreucci, 2023. "Raising Healthy Children: Promoting the Multiple Benefits of Green Open Spaces through Biophilic Design," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-21, January.
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