Assessing Urban Green Space Accessibility and Its Impact on Community Well-being

Thesis Abstract

Urban green spaces are vital components of city environments that contribute significantly to ecological sustainability, aesthetic values, and residents' overall quality of life. However, disparities in access to these natural amenities often persist within urban settings, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities and potentially undermining community well-being. This study investigates the relationship between green space accessibility and various dimensions of community well-being in the city of Metropolis, aiming to provide empirical evidence to inform urban planning and policy development. The specific objectives include evaluating the spatial distribution and physical accessibility of green spaces, assessing residents’ perceptions of accessibility and usage patterns, and analyzing the influence of green space access on mental health, social cohesion, and physical activity levels. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this research adopts a cross-sectional, exploratory research design. The study population comprises residents aged 18 and above within the urban boundaries of Metropolis, with a total estimated population of 2 million residents. A stratified random sampling technique selects 600 participants to ensure representativeness across socio-economic, age, and residential zones. Quantitative data are collected through structured questionnaires measuring perceived accessibility, frequency of green space utilization, mental health status (using the General Health Questionnaire), social cohesion (via the Social Cohesion Scale), and physical activity levels (using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire). Spatial data on green space locations, sizes, and connectivity are gathered through Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping. Qualitative insights are obtained via focus group discussions and key informant interviews with urban planners and community leaders, providing contextual understanding of green space usage and barriers. Data analysis involves descriptive statistics to depict accessibility patterns, followed by inferential techniques such as multiple regression analysis to examine the influence of green space accessibility on community well-being indicators. Geospatial analyses, including proximity analysis and kernel density estimation, identify spatial disparities. The study adopts the Theory of Planned Behavior to interpret residents' behavioral intentions toward green space utilization and the Social Determinants of Health framework to contextualize health and well-being outcomes. Expected findings are anticipated to reveal significant spatial inequalities in green space access, with peripheral and low-income areas exhibiting lower levels of accessibility and usage. It is hypothesized that higher perceived accessibility correlates positively with frequency of use, which in turn associates with better mental health, increased social cohesion, and higher physical activity levels. The study also aims to identify barriers such as safety concerns, lack of amenities, and transportation issues that hinder green space usage. This research contributes to knowledge by providing a comprehensive, empirically grounded assessment of how urban green space accessibility influences multiple dimensions of community well-being. It offers a replicable methodological framework integrating spatial analytics and social research, thus advancing interdisciplinary understanding in urban geography, public health, and urban planning. The findings will inform policymakers and urban planners on targeted interventions to improve equitable green space distribution and promote healthier, more socially integrated communities. The study concludes with actionable recommendations, including prioritizing green space development in underserved areas, implementing accessibility measures such as enhanced walkability and transportation options, and fostering community engagement to optimize green space utilization. It advocates for integrating green space planning into broader urban development strategies to support sustainable, health-promoting urban environments. Future research directions are suggested to include longitudinal studies assessing the long-term impacts of green space interventions on community well-being and to explore the role of technological innovations in enhancing green space accessibility.