Assessing Urban Green Space Accessibility in Riverside Community Development

Thesis Abstract

Urban green spaces are integral to sustainable community development, providing environmental, social, and health benefits; however, disparities in accessibility often hinder equitable distribution and utilization, especially in rapidly expanding urban communities. This study investigates the spatial and socio-economic factors influencing the accessibility of urban green spaces within Riverside Community Development, a fast-growing peri-urban area experiencing significant infrastructural development. The primary aim is to assess the levels of accessibility, identify inequalities, and propose actionable recommendations to enhance equitable green space distribution. The specific objectives include mapping green space locations, analyzing demographic and spatial variables affecting accessibility, evaluating residents’ perceptions of green space adequacy, and developing policy recommendations based on empirical findings. The study adopts a mixed-methods research design, combining quantitative spatial analysis with qualitative perceptions analysis. The quantitative component involves a spatial accessibility assessment utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and network analysis to calculate accessibility indices for 1,200 households sampled through stratified random sampling. The qualitative component employs semi-structured interviews with 50 community stakeholders, including residents, local government officials, and urban planners, to explore perceptions and barriers related to green space access. Data collection instruments include GPS-enabled field surveys, structured questionnaires, and interview guides, ensuring triangulation and comprehensive data coverage. To guarantee validity and reliability, questionnaires are pre-tested, and inter-coder reliability is established for qualitative analysis. For data analysis, GIS spatial analysis techniques, such as proximity buffers and network analysis, are employed to measure green space accessibility levels. Quantitative data are subjected to descriptive statistics, ANOVA tests to identify socio-economic disparities, and multiple regression analysis to determine influential factors. Qualitative interview data are analyzed thematically using NVivo software, focusing on perceptions, barriers, and suggested improvements. The study references the Theory of Urban Accessibility and the Social Justice in Urban Planning framework to interpret findings and establish a conceptual model illustrating the interplay between spatial distribution and socio-economic factors affecting green space access. Expected findings indicate that while overall green space coverage appears adequate, significant disparities exist based on income, age, and proximity to green spaces. Lower-income households tend to have limited accessibility, which correlates with higher levels of perceived inadequacy and dissatisfaction. Spatial analysis is anticipated to reveal clusters of limited accessibility in peripheral neighborhoods, highlighting inequitable distribution. Residents’ perceptions are expected to align with spatial findings, revealing barriers such as inadequate connectivity, safety concerns, and lack of inclusive design. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing a contextualized assessment of green space accessibility in a developing peri-urban setting, bridging gaps in empirical data on spatial inequalities and social perceptions. It reinforces the importance of integrating quantitative spatial analysis with qualitative insights for comprehensive urban planning solutions, guided by the theories of Accessibility and Social Justice. In conclusion, the study will recommend targeted policy interventions such as improved connectivity through pedestrian-friendly pathways, equitable allocation of green spaces in underserved areas, and community engagement strategies for participatory planning. The findings aim to inform local government policies, advocating for environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive urban development practices. The study underscores the necessity for proactive planning that prioritizes equitable green space access, fostering healthier, more resilient communities in Riverside. Further research avenues include longitudinal studies to measure impact over time and comparative analyses with similar peri-urban contexts.