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Fostering Social Sustainability through Intergenerational Engagement in Australian Neighborhood Parks

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  • Tracy L. Washington

    (School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane 4001, Australia
    Institute for Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Road, Brisbane 4059, Australia)

  • Debra Flanders Cushing

    (Institute for Future Environments, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane 4001, Australia
    School of Design, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane 4001, Australia)

  • Janelle Mackenzie

    (Institute for Future Environments, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane 4001, Australia
    School of Design, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane 4001, Australia)

  • Laurie Buys

    (Institute for Future Environments, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane 4001, Australia
    School of Design, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane 4001, Australia)

  • Stewart Trost

    (Institute for Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Road, Brisbane 4059, Australia
    School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Road, Brisbane 4059, Australia)

Abstract

Social sustainability includes aspects of equity and is associated with two of the United Nations Sustainable Development goals focused on promoting good health and well-being for all ages. Yet, this pillar of sustainability is considered the least understood, as compared to economic and environmental components. To address this, our study focused on intergenerational engagement within residential neighborhood parks to foster social sustainability and encourage healthy and active living. This study included an intercept survey with open-ended questions of 386 adult park users within 12 parks in South-East Queensland, one of Australia’s fastest-growing areas. Approximately two-thirds (68%) of adult participants visited the park with one or more children, primarily to use the playground. Further thematic analysis shows that intergenerational interactions predominantly include adults playing with or teaching children. However, intergenerational interactions were limited in numerous situations, such as when adults accompany older children. This paper concludes with a discussion on potential ways to increase intergenerational interactions in parks to promote health and well-being for all ages, thus increasing social sustainability within residential developments.

Suggested Citation

  • Tracy L. Washington & Debra Flanders Cushing & Janelle Mackenzie & Laurie Buys & Stewart Trost, 2019. "Fostering Social Sustainability through Intergenerational Engagement in Australian Neighborhood Parks," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(16), pages 1-16, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:16:p:4435-:d:258243
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Young, Tiffany L. & Janke, Megan C. & Sharpe, Chantel & Carthron, Dana, 2019. "Evaluating the feasibility of a community intergenerational physical activity intervention for kinship families: Professional stakeholders’ perspectives," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 72(C), pages 136-144.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ivan Paunovic & Cathleen Müller & Klaus Deimel, 2023. "Citizen Participation for Sustainability and Resilience: A Generational Cohort Perspective on Community Brand Identity Perceptions and Development Priorities in a Rural Community," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-18, April.
    2. Valerija Rogelj & David Bogataj & Marija Bogataj & Francisco Campuzano-Bolarín & Eneja Drobež, 2023. "The Role of Housing in Sustainable European Long-Term Care Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-27, February.
    3. Rosario Padial-Ruz & Mª Esther Puga-González & Álvaro Céspedes-Jiménez & David Cabello-Manrique, 2021. "Determining Factors in the Use of Urban Parks That Influence the Practice of Physical Activity in Children: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-23, March.
    4. Soňa Kalenda & Ivana Kowaliková, 2020. "The Digital Exclusion of Vulnerable Children: Challenge for Sustainability Issues in Czech Social Work Practice," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(23), pages 1-25, November.
    5. Valentina Caiola & Elina Moreira Kares & Margherita Pillan & Davide Spallazzo & Aarni Tuomi, 2023. "Remote Cultural Events: Investigating the Usefulness of Live Streaming for Creating Cultural and Social Engagement in Communities of Older Adults," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-20, July.

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