Vulnerable groups in severe heat: A study assessing the impacts of climate and Pocket Park visitations pre-post the pandemic

Abstract

Urbanization and climate change are intensifying disparities in access to green spaces, particularly for vulnerable populations such as low-income groups and older adults in areas with sever heat. COVID-19 and its aftereffects exacerbate this inequity of urban land use, especially for these populations. While previous studies explored park uses and the effects of climate, limited study have investigated how small scale urban park visitation patterns are shaped by the combined influence of park features and climate conditions using large scale smart phone mobility data, especially across different phases of a disruptive event like a pandemic. This study examines how pocket parks—small, neighborhood-based green spaces—serve as critical resources for these groups in high-density urban areas, focusing on Austin, Texas, as a case study. By analyzing visitation patterns before and during the pandemic using geospatial data and novel smartphone mobility data retrieved from Advan from 2018 to 2021, the research reveals an increasing trend of low-income groups and older adults relying heavily on pocket parks due to limited access to larger green spaces and private outdoor areas during the pandemic. Older adults and low-income groups were more sensitive to precipitation, wind, and maximin temperature during the pandemic as these factors closely associated with virus transmission. Park features that contribute to micro-climate regulation and health promotion reported higher significance to these visitors than areas designed for group activities since such features can decrease the effects of extreme heat and the risks of infection. These results underscore the need for equitable urban land use policies that prioritize the development and maintenance of pocket parks in underserved communities, especially under severe urban climate. By addressing both social and environmental vulnerabilities, this study contributes actionable insights for urban planners and policymakers striving to create inclusive and resilient cities with consideration of public health.