Enhancing liveability in urban-rural fringe areas: Integrating resident perspectives to community park planning and design in China

Urban-rural fringe areas (URFAs) are transitional zones where rapid urban expansion intersects with rural landscapes, posing significant socio-environmental challenges. In China, this issue is particularly critical, with the urbanisation rate increasing from 17.9 % in 1978 to over 67 % in 2024, driving rapid land use transformation and reshaping the design and functionality of public spaces. Community parks (CPs) play a vital role in these areas in enhancing liveability and socio-ecological resilience. However, while policies increasingly emphasise the importance of green spaces, their quality and alignment with residents’ needs remain underexplored. This study examines the role of CPs in Wuhan’s URFAs by analysing park usage patterns, resident satisfaction, and functional design elements. Using structured questionnaire surveys (n = 452), the findings reveal that: (1) CPs within a 1,000-meter or 15-minute walking radius significantly enhance accessibility and utilisation; (2) resident satisfaction is influenced by infrastructure quality, particularly the availability of toilets, fitness equipment, and well-maintained facilities; and (3) CPs do not meet diverse community needs, highlighting a gap between quantity-based provision and quality-driven usability. This underscores the significance of prioritising functionality, inclusivity, and user-centred design. In response, this study advocates for a shift from a supply “quantity” driven approach towards a “quality” first planning approach, emphasising participatory design and people-centred approaches to optimise CP infrastructure. By providing empirical evidence, this research contributes to the discourse on urban liveability enhancement and offers insights for improving green space planning in rapidly urbanising regions.