Urban equity of park use in peri-urban areas during the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

Studies of parks underscore the significance of park equity, considering both its quantity and quality. However, the vulnerability of peri-urban communities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic concerning park utilization, goes beyond what objective assessments of access and quality can capture. Based on a multidimensional and comparative framework and combining objective evaluation and subjective perceptions and demands, this study explores park equity within Salt Lake City during COVID-19, spotlighting variations between urban and peri-urban areas. The analysis identifies pronounced regional disparities in park equity measures. The southern peri-urban community is identified as a disadvantaged group regarding accessibility by traditional spatial measures, yet their own perception of accessibility remains optimistic. While the urban center and west peri-urban groups generally share similar objective accessibility indices, their perceptions vary, and a discernible west-east disparity in park quality emerges, especially in terms of amenities. The analysis of demands and preferences also shows that western residents have a higher need for essential infrastructure enhancements to offset their current underdeveloped parks. The COVID-19 pandemic further magnified these disparities, emphasizing western communities’ vulnerabilities as they are more likely to be affected by quality perception issues than the other two groups. Additionally, the intricate and non-linear dynamics of park visitation choices during the pandemic highlight the necessity for a cross-disciplinary synthesis in urban planning paradigms.