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Influence of Urban Park Pathway Features on the Density and Intensity of Walking and Running Activities: A Case Study of Shanghai City

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Listed:
  • Junqi Chen

    (Department of Landscape Architecture, School of Design, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China)

  • Zheng Tao

    (Department of Landscape Architecture, School of Design, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China)

  • Wenrui Wu

    (Department of Landscape Architecture, School of Design, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China)

  • Ling Wang

    (Department of Landscape Architecture, School of Design, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China)

  • Dan Chen

    (Department of Landscape Architecture, School of Design, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China)

Abstract

Walking and running activities (W&RAs), encompassing strolling, slow walking, brisk walking, jogging, and running, hold significant importance as popular forms of exercise within urban parks. Recognized for their efficacy in promoting public health and preventing chronic diseases, understanding the nuanced impact of pathway features on W&RAs is crucial for advancing health-centric urban park planning. Based on extensive, high-frequency field observation data, we utilize multiple OLS regression models and univariate OLS regression models to investigate the relationship between urban park pathway features and variations in W&RAs, specifically examining activity density and intensity. Subsequently, we propose corresponding pathway optimization strategies. Our findings highlight the primary determinants, with vegetation coverage ratio, path type, and security facility density influencing activity density; and control value, time required to reach the nearest entrance, and pavement type influencing activity intensity. Significantly, increased vegetation coverage enhances density, while interconnected spaces and improved accessibility elevate intensity. In conclusion, our study delineates key features that merit prioritization, specifies their optimal ranges and proposes optimization design strategies for urban park pathways. By shedding light on these considerations, our research contributes valuable insights to the realm of health-oriented urban park planning and design.

Suggested Citation

  • Junqi Chen & Zheng Tao & Wenrui Wu & Ling Wang & Dan Chen, 2024. "Influence of Urban Park Pathway Features on the Density and Intensity of Walking and Running Activities: A Case Study of Shanghai City," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-25, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:13:y:2024:i:2:p:156-:d:1329246
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Brownson, R.C. & Baker, E.A. & Housemann, R.A. & Brennan, L.K. & Bacak, S.J., 2001. "Environmental and policy determinants of physical activity in the United States," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 91(12), pages 1995-2003.
    2. Mohammad Paydar & Asal Kamani Fard & Verónica Gárate Navarrete, 2023. "Design Characteristics, Visual Qualities, and Walking Behavior in an Urban Park Setting," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-23, September.
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    4. Hayley Christian & Leanne Lester & Stewart G. Trost & Georgina Trapp & Jasper Schipperijn & Bryan Boruff & Clover Maitland & Zakia Jeemi & Michael Rosenberg & Paul Barber & Harry Eslick, 2019. "Shade coverage, ultraviolet radiation and children’s physical activity in early childhood education and care," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 64(9), pages 1325-1333, December.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Yuhan Liu & Nuo Xu & Chang Liu & Jiayi Zhao & Yongrong Zheng, 2024. "Optimizing Perceived Jogging Supportiveness for Enhanced Sustainable Greenway Design Based on Computer Vision: Implications of the Nonlinear Influence of Perceptual and Physical Characteristics," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-31, November.
    3. Haneen Ahmad & Yuxin Cao & Ayat Almomani & Lama Akmeel & Lijun Wang, 2025. "Exploring Safety Perceptions Among Women Using Factor and Cluster Analysis: A Case Study of Neighborhood Parks in Jordan," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-20, March.

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