The management of urban parks and its contribution to social interactions

ABSTRACT The topic of managing and protecting parks fits well into a broader paradigm at local, national, and international levels. Local decision-makers are increasingly becoming aware of the benefits and values of urban parks. The value of urban parks brings together different perspectives from health, recreation, heritage value, ecology, to the use and management of these parks sustainably. Protection and sustainable management are significant for urban parks’ survival and utilisation. At the same time, the management and maintenance of urban parks play important roles in social interactions. The main objective of this paper is to investigate the contribution of urban park management to the development of social interaction within Peace Park in the city of Podujevo, Kosovo. The findings suggest that local parks may support the development of social interaction in urban areas. Associations were found between the quality of urban parks, usage, and extent of interaction. The study concludes that in developing countries, management plays a crucial role in fostering social interaction. That in turn, increases the pressure for local authorities to provide better management and innovative solutions.