Assessing the Impact of Urban Green Spaces on Community Well-Being in Riverside City

Thesis Abstract

Urban green spaces have increasingly been recognized as vital urban assets that influence residents’ physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. Despite the growing global emphasis on sustainable urban development, empirical evidence assessing the specific impact of such spaces within the context of Riverside City remains limited. This study aims to evaluate the extent to which urban green spaces contribute to community well-being and identify the key factors mediating this relationship. The primary objectives include quantifying residents’ perceptions of green space accessibility and quality, examining the correlation between green space exposure and various dimensions of well-being, and identifying socio-economic and demographic variables that influence these relationships. Employing a mixed-method research design, the study integrates quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews. The target population comprises adult residents aged 18 years and above in Riverside City, totaling approximately 250,000 individuals. A stratified random sampling technique is utilized to select a representative sample of 600 residents, ensuring proportional representation across neighborhoods with varying proximities to green spaces. Data collection instruments include a structured questionnaire measuring frequency and purposes of green space use, perceived quality, and well-being indicators such as psychological health, social cohesion, and physical activity levels, alongside semi-structured interview guides aimed at exploring residents’ subjective experiences. Validity and reliability of the survey instruments are established through Cronbach’s alpha coefficients exceeding 0.80 and a pilot test involving 50 participants. Quantitative data are analysed using multiple regression analysis to determine the strength and significance of relationships between green space variables and well-being outcomes. Thematic analysis, guided by Braun and Clarke’s approach, is employed to interpret qualitative data, providing nuanced insights into community perceptions and barriers to green space utilization. The study also applies the Social-Ecological Model to frame interactions across individual, community, and environmental levels, integrating findings within the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) theoretical framework to interpret behavioral responses to green space exposure. Expected findings indicate that frequent access to high-quality green spaces positively correlates with improved psychological well-being, increased social cohesion, and higher levels of physical activity. Additionally, socio-economic status, age, and neighborhood walkability are anticipated to mediate these relationships. The results are intended to fill existing gaps by providing context-specific evidence from Riverside City, thereby informing urban planning and policy formulation to optimize green space benefits. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by empirically demonstrating the multidimensional benefits of urban green spaces within a mid-sized American city and elucidating socio-demographic determinants that influence community engagement with green environments. Furthermore, it extends theoretical understanding by applying the Social-Ecological Model and SOR framework in a novel urban context. In conclusion, the research underscores the critical role of equitable green space distribution in fostering community well-being, recommending targeted interventions to enhance accessibility, quality, and community participation. Policy suggestions include integrating green space planning into urban development strategies, prioritizing underserved neighborhoods, and fostering community-led green space management. The study advocates for longitudinal research to assess the long-term impacts of green space interventions and encourages comparative studies across different city typologies to generalize findings. Ultimately, the study aims to serve as a useful evidence base for urban planners, public health officials, and community stakeholders dedicated to promoting sustainable, healthy, and resilient urban environments through strategic green space development.